Your heart-warming story of the day

For years (for ever, really) Dad has wanted to fly.

One of the big fights he had with my mum was about this. She wanted horses, and she got two horses. Dad wanted to fly, and he got a video game. Flying has been some unattainable thing, a dream that got left behind. A year or so ago, Dad and I were talking about this, and he couldn't afford it. But, I pointed out, he might soon. He could save up for it. It was actually quite reasonable. His eyes lit up and I could just see him realize - yes, this could happen. This dream isn't dead yet.

Yesterday I picked up the free press paper, and while flipping through it, I saw a little tidbit in a side column about piloting lessons. Huh, said I, and checked whether it would actually qualify for anything - yep, completion of the course is qualification for FAA paper test. And it would only cost $300. So I handed it to Dad - "When are the classes? If they're on Wednesdays or Thursdays..." "Hmm, Tuesdays." "Huh. What time?" "Six to nine?" "...yesssss."

But then, on a second read-through, registration closed Friday. Goddamnit. "Well, give them a call anyway," I said. "They might still have openings." So Dad checked the website. They'd extended registration until Tuesday. Today he called them.

He's in. He's going to learn how to fly. ♥