Yesterday in church . . . (I was paying attention, I promise) . . . I really, truly, remembered that I used to fly helicopters.
I closed my eyes – and for a heartbeat . . . I was free.
I could see the ground fading away, blue skies bursting through the windshield.
I could feel the steady drumbeat of fully articulated rotor blades coursing through me.
Climbing, up, up, and up . . . stomach dropping, soul soaring.
I was airborne.
…
And now, here on earth . . . despite the hard things that accompanied this life . . . I am all-the-way-deep-down-in-the-depths-of-my-soul gratitude for every second of every minute I spent cutting ties with earth.
Every. Second.
~M.
P.S. (Photo at top is the helicopter that me and my buddy (and PC and all around awesome person Peder) ferried from Germany to Kosovo. I give all credit for Monster Animal in the window to him.
Due to an unfortunate computer crash, all my helicopter eye candy photos are of the Husband’s first deployment. But they are too good not to post. So enjoy.
I grew up right outside of Ft Rucker, and to this day, I am still in complete and total awe when I spot helicopters hovering, landing, taking off. Love it. (Great photos!!!)
Molly, I’m sure I have some pictures of you flying from AQC. At least anything Al is flying in, you’d be in 🙂 Let me know if you’d like me to go through them and email them to you.
Yes! I was just thinking I am sorely lacking in Kiowa pictures … How are you guys? Where are you guys?
We live in Georgia now, near Ft. Stewart – Alan got out of the Army two years ago, and works for Northrop Grumman. He’s a lot happier – I’m still like a fish out of water. It’s been a big adjustment going from Army to Civilian life for me, but I’m working on it! The kids are SO big, and we had another baby!! Sam is three, and is so sweet. Our oldest is a senior this year, and it’s been a whirlwind of all the fun senior things so far. I’m sure it will only be busier. The other kids are in 9th grade, 8th grade and 5th grade.
Al is in Afghanistan right now, but will be home in early December. We’ve both been enjoying “catching up” with you via your blog! I’ll look through the hard drive and see what I can find – I know I have a lot of pictures from AQC!
Thanks Jen. Can’t wait to see what you have. In some ways, it feels like a million years ago!
I can hardly believe it myself most days. Such a good life.
I just stumbled across your blog on Milblogging.com and was in awe of those beautiful pictures. Thanks for posting, and may God bless you and your family!
Kristen
http://www.fiveintow.com
That is so cool. I’ve been following your blog for a little while … love your writing!