Flying

Just received an email from my Dad.

A couple quick, clear, blunt lines stating that two helicopters have crashed, resulting in two deaths. He doesn't need to tell us that he wasn't involved. He doesn't need us to tell him to fly safe, he knows. Crews fight over who gets to fly with him. Everyone wants the older guy with pictures of his grandkids on the door, reminding them all that the reckless don't go home in this line of work.

At his age he could be flying beautiful people off their yacht, but there he is, dropping brave men and women into firestorms.

I'm proud of him, and I make sure I hug him every time he leaves.