One of our neighbors is an Airforce Pilot. My mother mentioned to him one day that she'd read about a program called the 'young eagles' where several times a year pilots take children up flying to teach them about the field of aviation and the concept of becoming a pilot. Our neighbor Nathan told us he was familiar with the program and that its a wonderful program. He explained that he thought the children actually got to sit in the co-pilot seat and watch from the front row. I had to admit, the idea of Kajal having a chance to fly seated next to the pilot was pretty cool. Nathan made some calls and before I knew it we had an appointment with a pilot at the Charleston Airforce base. Kajal and I went for our 'appointment' but the pilot told us the day was too overcast, low visability. He took us for a tour though and he let Kajal sit in the pilots seat. Won't she fly in the co-pilot's seat I asked? No, he explained, this is a real flying lesson. She'll be sitting in the pilot's seat, she'll be flying the plane.

She'll be what?

She'll be flying the plane... this is a real flying lesson. He explained that she would literally be logging hours towards a pilots license and that if she liked it and wanted to pursue it by the time she reached 17 she could be a licensed pilot. Kajal was so excited, walking around the planes.. checking them out, asking tons of questions.

What are those things that people who fly planes where on their shirt? She asked.

The pilot smiled. Those are wings, he answered.

Oh, Kajal smiled... I want those!

He laughed, I think you may just get them one day.

We left that afternoon and made another appointment for today. I've been a nervous wreck. I hate heights... I cry like a baby when I get too close to the edge of a cliff. I can't see flying in the backseat of a tiny airplane with my eight year old daughter flying the plane and one pilot sititng in the co-pilot seat. What if something happens to him?

The pilot assured us it would be safe but boy, the thought was terrifying.

Kajal and I have talked alot about it. She was so excited that when we drove up to the Aero Club today she threw her arms up in the air and screamed out "I"M LIVING MY DREAMS!!!!!!!!!"

I asked Kajal if she knew why I wanted to see her fly a plane. She asked if it was because I wanted her to learn more things. I told her yes, it was that but more importantly it was because I want her to know that she has choices. That she can do anything... be anything. That if she truly flies a plane than any time in life she wonders... can I do this? Can I achieve this? Then perhaps she'll think back to that moment when she was flying a plane and she'll know that yes... she can do anything.

I want her to have that confidence to know that anything is possible, for her.

Today the winds were too strong, too dangerous to go up. We made another appointment for next Saturday...

So next Saturday around 9 AM say a little prayer the my little girl, who just may be...

Flying her first plane.