gkekoa
Well-Known Member
My pops wanted to be an aviator more than life itself. He adored and was extremely proud of his time served with the Navy in his 20s and was the kind of man who taught my bro and I every word to ‘Anchors Away’ (as well as all other military songs) as early as I can remember, heh.
Sadly, he had contracted mumps at 7 and had a 70% hearing loss in one ear as a result. He was so dogged in his ambition tho, that he managed to pass (with some female inside help, lol) the hearing requirements that enabled him to enter the flight training program down in Pensacola.
He was caught out, just short of graduation, with a freak accident on the runway where he and his copilot ended up with a fire in the cockpit...they were both transported to the ER and the Navy learned of his hearing issues. Nuff said, his pilot dreams ended there, much to his chagrin. Shortly thereafter he transitioned to a career in the Foreign Service with AID and memories of what could have been always brought a smile.
He envied the careers of those who were able to fulfill their dreams in the Sky...so I get completely exactly what you are saying.
Mad respect to you.
and of course to my pops who was an amazing father and public servant. May he rest in power.
Mad props to your father, who you describe as an amazing father, because at the end of the day, that is the only job that matters. I hope my son can describe me the same way when it is all said and done.