TURNING 58

TURNING 58

I am turning 58 today. Here in Frankfurt, the weather was chilly with light southerly breeze and the sky partially obscured with some low cloud. Soon I will be commanding a flight from here to Singapore. A few hours ago at this time, I came to this world, not knowing what my life would be.

The plane roared down runway 18 and accelerated toward 173 knots (320KPH), I gently pull the control column and the nose of the plane rose. With a slight bump, I knew the aircraft have lifted off the runway. I called for the gear to be raised and the flaps were retracted according to standard procedure. I rolled the plane towards the left and continue climbing in accordance to air controller instructions. Soon I will be on the airway and cruising at 33000 feet and with the world under me.

Yes, this is my job, my passion, my dream and my life. I have no regrets being a pilot. I am proud of what I have achieved in these 58 years. I have achieved all my personal objectives I set out to accomplish.

I have a wonderful family. My beautiful and most understanding wife of 24 years was my best judgment I have make in my life. She bore me two beautiful daughters. They both have graduated and are now financially independent. Their graduation was certainly another milestone which I am very proud of. Any father would understand my sense of achievement.

Life is a journey. Although I have some worrisome times growing up, but I am still more fortunate than so many people and I should not be whining. Instead it help me grew up faster and force me to take ownership of my life and learn to take responsibility. My career life did encounter some challenges, nevertheless it all ended well. On the contrary, I thought I face few difficulties meeting my job scope. My job is wonderful and very respectable. The job takes me round the world and helps me and my family lives a comfortable life in a landed property.

All this is possible as I am blessed with intelligence and wisdom. For this I must thank my parents. I thank them for raising me with their best abilities and unconditional love. My father taught me the value of responsibility, honesty and integrity. Above all, be self reliant, frugal and work hard and live a simple life. I have seen how he struggled through life and remain strong for the family. My father, when I closed my eyes, I can always see you.

Moving on, I will take the wisdom of my father and live a simple life. There a lot I wish to accomplish. I hope I remain healthy to ride into the sunset with my wife and my children.






------------------------------------------