Barrel rolls and loops in a stunt plane was one way Florence Duym celebrated her 91st birthday.
On a Sunday after her birthday, Duym said her grandson, Matthew Mukenschnabl, called and asked her if she wanted to go up in the plane for a ride. She jumped at the chance, as she was never afraid to go up in an airplane.
“You are up there and it is quiet,” Duym said. “It is quiet for just a short time and you really feel closer to God there.”
To prepare for her flight, Duym said she had to put a parachute on. Her grandson explained it was just in case of emergency, which brought disappointment as she thought she may be going skydiving.
“It was so comical,” Duym said. “I had to step into the parachute, 91, and putting this parachute on.”
When getting into the plane, she was unaware it was a stunt plane but once she figured it out she was thrilled to go. Once in the air, her grandson decided to do a barrel roll.
“It was wonderful,” Duym said. “I couldn’t stop laughing.”
Duym said she would love to have the opportunity to go again.
“I am really very thankful that I had the opportunity and he asked me to do that,” Duym said. “It was just fun all around.”
Notable
Employed with Walgreens for six months
Stay-at-home mother of four
& quotable
“My senior friends will never believe what I did for my 91st birthday,” Duym said.
Philosophy
“There is only one way to live and follow God’s commandments — make him your best friend and companion.”
Favorites
MUSIC Anything from the 40s
MOVIES “It Happened One Night”
FOOD Healthy food, fruits and vegetables
AUTHOR Catholic magazines
HOBBY Seniors BINGO, casino trips and senior meetings
