My dad is a very experienced pilot, actually he has experienced quite a bit as one - including a plane crash in 1999 that he miraculously survived (he has the titanium spine to prove it). It was a long and difficult recovery and for many moons his days of soaring through the air were over.My sister and I have a few pet names for Dad and one of them is John Wayne. He always seems to escape danger by the skin of his teeth and come out looking the better for it. Over a year ago, Dad decided to get back into the air. His love for adventure dominated his earlier fears of piloting an airplane again. He now flies all over in his cute little plane. That's fantastic. For him. I will never forget the wreckage of his accident and the image of his airplane on the news. I happen to be following a popular blog call the http://nieniedialouges.blogspot.com/. The author is recovering from a small engine plane crash that occurred in August of 2008. She suffered burns over 85% of her body - and lived to tell her story. It is an amazing one. I also have read a book called "The Burning Within", about -what else? A small engine plane crash survivor who was burned over 80% of her body and lived. Ouch. Inspiring stories, as is my dad's, but I still am only a commercial jet passenger. But, alas, my kids have Grandpa's adventurous spirit and relatively little fear. They want to ride in Grandpa's plane. I want to say no. But I don't want my children to miss out on a wonderful memory or teach them to let their fears, worries or concerns to keep them from living their dreams. So. I decide I better go with them. That leaves Bella at home with a parent and Maddy and Katie in the Heaven with one.
I laughed when I saw the hanger and the words of caution written on them. Believe me, I am not worried about the doors being blasted.
A little decor. Why? A scary dead thing next to Dad's plane. WHY?
I would like to show off a bit of my work, though. That "Westerberg and Associates" was made by me, thank you very much.
OK, um, Maddy is bigger than the plane we are all supposed to ride in.
I told you my dad was John Wayne, here are the bullet holes to prove it.
A little decor. Why? A scary dead thing next to Dad's plane. WHY?
I would like to show off a bit of my work, though. That "Westerberg and Associates" was made by me, thank you very much.
OK, um, Maddy is bigger than the plane we are all supposed to ride in.
I told you my dad was John Wayne, here are the bullet holes to prove it.(Notice my aviator glasses...)
Time for a few last pictures. I will stash my camera in "the little black box" for my surviving family members.
Typical Katie.
Grandpa loves his girls. He does. I imagine that sharing a passion of his with them was quite a treat.
Dear Airplane,
I would not like to die by fire, or burn in fire and live. I would like to fly and land.
Holy Crap. What button do I push if dad is knocked unconscious by a bird?
I'm glad someone is smiling.
Typical.
Ok, I am in. I am smiling. I am excited. I am.
Dad is a great pilot. He kept us within reach of the airport's radar at all times and we flew at low altitude. Thanks, Dad. I'm feeling better by the minute.
How could I let my babies miss out on this?
It is easy to forget while living in the Treasure Valley's big metropolitan area, that we are still surrounded by farmland.
Lucky Peak Reservoir. Quite beautiful from above.
It was a smoky, hazy day over the City of Trees. This picture doesn't do it justice.
There is the Field of Blue. Sure hope I live to see the Oregon game...
I see Katie sneaked in her blankie. Shoot, forgot mine.
They are giving the thumbs up signal, because only Dad and I were able to communicate through our headphones.
Steady, steady...
While feeling the earth again under my feet, I catch Dad at his best. Thanks for the "lift" Dad, I may just fly with you again. Vegas, anyone??
Time for a few last pictures. I will stash my camera in "the little black box" for my surviving family members.
Typical Katie.
Grandpa loves his girls. He does. I imagine that sharing a passion of his with them was quite a treat.
Dear Airplane,I would not like to die by fire, or burn in fire and live. I would like to fly and land.
Thank you.
Holy Crap. What button do I push if dad is knocked unconscious by a bird?
I'm glad someone is smiling.
Typical.
Ok, I am in. I am smiling. I am excited. I am.
Dad is a great pilot. He kept us within reach of the airport's radar at all times and we flew at low altitude. Thanks, Dad. I'm feeling better by the minute.
How could I let my babies miss out on this?
It is easy to forget while living in the Treasure Valley's big metropolitan area, that we are still surrounded by farmland.
Lucky Peak Reservoir. Quite beautiful from above.
It was a smoky, hazy day over the City of Trees. This picture doesn't do it justice.
There is the Field of Blue. Sure hope I live to see the Oregon game...
I see Katie sneaked in her blankie. Shoot, forgot mine.
They are giving the thumbs up signal, because only Dad and I were able to communicate through our headphones.
Steady, steady...
While feeling the earth again under my feet, I catch Dad at his best. Thanks for the "lift" Dad, I may just fly with you again. Vegas, anyone??
