The only thing worse than teenage hormones is realizing that, in what will feel like the blink of an eye, the little monsters will be ready to fly the coop.
Letting my little guy grow up has been so hard. He's my one and only; I have absolutely zero desire to let him grow up! Unfortunately, I also have zero choice but to let him grow up. So, I am trying to find solace in watching him grow into a sweet, smart, driven, dreamer who is fearless.
For as long as I can remember, Ollie has wanted to be a pilot. I can't help but wonder if his dream to fly planes has anything to do with growing up on a plane, long-hauling between the East Coast of the United States to Melbourne, Australia. In fact, I used to joke about the fact that he was infinitely better behaved on those 33-hour trips to Nana's house Down Under than his parents! Truth be told, he still is.
The time finally came for me to let my little guy fly up, up, and away from me so he could start his journey to being a pilot, and, hopefully, one day, a captain.
This flight was ten years in the making — and the beginning of something incredible.
I would say: “If only he knew at three, when he first boarded a plane bound for Australia, that he’d one day be flying one,” but, inherently, I think he’s always known. His passion for aviation is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
He can tell what any aircraft is just by the placement of its engines or the configuration of its landing gear. And to back it up, he is constantly whipping out his favorite flight tracking app to prove he got it right!
I can’t wait to see where the beautiful blue skies take my sweet little pilot. But with all my heart, I know one day, I’ll proudly call him: Captain Oliver.
In the meantime, I'll try not to throw up and cry every time he takes to the skies.
Here's a video of his first flight with his flight club. You can also view it directly on our First Time Mom and Dad YouTube Channel.
