flying

Kristin and I were talking today about Jed, because we always talk about Jed and we know that he is here and we miss him so dearly. I remembered about six years ago we went to an airshow near Harrisburg. I think it had something to do with a childhood cancer organization. When we arrived they had some old planes, firetrucks, and just things a six year old boy likes. They also had an old helicopter there. One of those old types that was mostly Plexiglas. This older gentleman was giving rides. I asked Jed if he would like to go flying in a helicopter. As always fearless, he said sure. Well let me tell you this helicopter was pretty much an antique. There was just enough room for three people, as long as one was a child. It also did not have doors on it. It had a chain that hooked across to keep you from falling out. Jed sat in the middle. We strapped the seat belt across us and prepared for takeoff. This thing started shaking so hard. The faster the blades started rotating the more it shook. I started thinking maybe this wasn't such a good idea, but before I could say anything we were up in the air. The higher we went I would ask Jed " are you alright'? He shook his head yes. I don't know if he really even heard me. It was so loud. The ride was all left turns, I would guess so the passenger wouldn't fall out. It was pretty high and a little scary and very interesting, and as long as you did not start checking the thing our to closely, fun. It probably lasted about seven or eight minutes. When we finally landed I asked the pilot how long he had been flying. He said something about the Korean war and then went in to some story about how he lost his leg. I really don't remember much after that. When kristin realized that the helicopter did not have any doors she looked like she was going to throw up. Jed just talked about how loud and shaky it was. He said he liked it but did not want to do it again. It was a first for Jed and myself. I love you Jed and miss your big brave heart. I was going to add pictures but for some reason I can't right now.