The Pilot From San Diego

(To Greg) I have a friend who’s been in my life, for such a very long time. As I remember, 1980 was the year. The ladder of success, I wanted to climb. I was almost out of college. Through the Travel Agency ads I hunted. And then I answered the ad in the paper. It said, “Flight Dispatcher Wanted” With sweaty palms, I drove up the coast. Was greeted by a tall and handsome man. Needless to say I was very nervous, until he reached out and shook my hand. A man so full of wisdom and knowledge, to that day I had never met. He had a deep voice that demanded attention. But to me he posed no threat. He fed me the world of aviation, in tiny chewable bites. Knowing it would become an addiction, he took my on my first flight. I worked with this man for over a year, then I had to move away. I wasn’t quite sure I’d see him again. And then came that wonderful day. How long had it been since I’d seen him? Twelve years is what comes to mind. I heard his voice on the radio, from the counter that I stood behind. I watched him walk away from his jet. Coming closer each moment to me. I could tell it was him by the way he walked. His face I couldn’t even see. He still looked the same. Handsome as ever. In his hair was a little bit of gray. I could see he was tired and needed some sleep, from the long flight he’s taken that day. There is a cliche that all pilots say, “Aviation is such a tiny world”. And seeing him again that day, brought a smile to the face of this girl. Since that day we’ve always stayed in touch, I know I will see him again. Because in him I got not only a boss, but a very, very special friend.