Up, Up and Away

It is time once again for Abbey's team visit at the Shriner's Hospital in Chicago. For this trip, our local Shriner's set us up with Grace Flights of America. Grace Flights works with another organization called Angel Flights. Both groups use private pilots who donate their time, money, skill and aircraft for medical transportation.

We had two legs to our trip. I was both excited and nervous about the whole adventure. Rodney and his dad flew us for the first leg. They were very friendly men and quickly put us at ease despite their jokes implying their inexperience. We had to step up on the wing to enter the plane (a Piper), and Abbey and I rode in the back. She did great and even took a nap.

The picture below is the Cessna Skyhawk that we flew on the second leg. Since he was flying alone, Mike let me sit in the front passenger/co-pilot seat. Mike gave me a map and showed me how to follow along. He told me about the different gauges and instructed me on some of the basics. It was really interesting. Because the wings are up high on this plane, we got to open the windows and feel the air rush by. I looked back at a very windblown Abbey and saw a big grin on her face.

Since I was in the front seat for the second leg, I wanted Abbey to be able to hear my voice. I didn't know if not seeing my face would upset her. Plus, the second leg promised to be bumpier, since the Windy City had a wind advisory out. That girl didn't fuss a bit--not about me leaving her in the back by herself, not about the bumpy ride, not even about having headphones on her head. She did decide to pull them off about half way there, though. She is a trooper, don't you think?

While we were flying, I mentioned to Mike (a native of Chicago) that I had been to Chicago for three other trips but had never seen anything except the hospital, hotel, Ronald McDonald House and airports. As we got close to Chicago he asked me if I was on a schedule. When I told him I had the rest of the day free, he said he'd fly me by downtown. He pointed out all kinds of landmarks: The Sears Tower, Trump Tower, Navy Pier, the Bean, some museums, stadiums etc. We got to fly over the lake, too. The color of the water was such a beautiful aqua. I had prayed on a prior trip that the Lord would provide a way for me to see some more of this city. I never thought it would be from 2000 feet up in a Cessna! Isn't that great?!

I will admit that the descent and landing into Chicago was a bit scary with the turbulence from all the wind combined with the view from the front seat. I was certainly praying, and it took me a minute to catch my breath after we hit the ground. All in all it was very exciting and fun. I am thankful for two safe flights and to our wonderful pilots. I look forward to doing it again.