Dreams taxing down the ramp . . .

My mother inspired me in another way. But not like you would think. She became ill and hospitalized and we thought that this may be it for her. After 12 days on a ventilator, she was taken off and managed to breath on her own. We had a conversation not long after that, about what was on her life list that she wanted to accomplish before she left this earth. One of her dreams was to go to Ireland, to follow her life's passion of Geneology. So about 4 months later, we did just that. We took a 10 day trip of her lifetime, and mine. I will cherish the memory of making her dream come true.

After that, I took a look at my own list. Most of what was on that list I had already done, like skydiving and swimming with dolphins. But at the top of the list was always this statement. "Before I die, I want to learn to fly a helicopter."  So at that moment, I made a decision that on or before my 42nd Birthday, I would take my first lesson. I figured I wasn't getting any younger.

This is a photo from my first day and my first lesson with Carey. Luckily, age isn't a road block to fly, but I do think I was the oldest and grayest student they had. Not to mention a woman. But they were quick to learn, I may have been the old woman on the ramp, but I was sure the spunkiest. Carey Dellandre  was a great instructor who made me laugh. He really made my experience one to cherish. And I know I was one of his more memorable students. I remember after he demonstrated settling with power, he asked if I wanted to do it again. I said Hell Yes! He said that was a first, and when he knew I would be a good pilot. No one ever asked to do that again if they didn't have to. Flying just seems so much a part of my DNA. I can't remember having much fear or apprehension about it.

More of my new adventure to come . . . 

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You can do it too! Let your dreams take flight!