sky kids

We've been waiting for the surprise and it is finally here! I knew when I found out about the Sky Kid event that it would be perfect for Jayen. The application stated the sky kid had to be at least six years old. Well, good thing someone just turned six three days ago! How could that have been any more perfect? I filled out the application not sure if he would actually get chosen. When the email came back a few weeks later with our parking pass and flight time, I couldn't hold back my excitement! Today is the day my son gets the chance to actually be a pilot. I know in real life, because of his diagnoses, that he won't get the chance to make it his career. But for today, he get to be what he wants!

 

 

 

We arrived a few hours before our flight time so Jayen could adjust to the sights and sounds before it was his turn! It also gave us the opportunity to see all the great static displays.



 

Their smiles were amazing. Jayen was in awe of every plane, helicopter, fire truck and police car he came in contact with. He was so quiet but you could see he was just taking in every sight. We were eventually escorted to the hangar where the firefighters cooked us hotdogs and hamburgers. There were face painters, a princess, dogs, trick yoyo shows, and so much more. We had a blast just hanging out in the hangar.

 

When they came to get us, we almost weren't ready for them! But who could possibly say wait a minute. Daddy suggested mommy get to go on the airplane with Jayen since he gets to do fun things with him other times. I was so thankful he let me have this opportunity with him. Jayen loves his daddy and they have so many special connections. I'm excited this is one I get! Jayen got to bring along a friend on the ride as well. What better friend than your older brother? Dalan was pretty excited he got to go on the plane as well! Brilyn was not excited about having to stay on the ground with daddy.

Jayen begged for the headset I was worried he wasn't going to wear them so I was talking them up long before he got on the plane. Well, that long before was obviously too long before. He was fixated on getting them on immediately.

The pilot, Mr. Travis, kept turning the plane to the right so Jayen could see the ground out of his window. I could see we kept getting of course, but I'm so thankful for his intuition and making this the most incredible experience ever!

Mr. Travis presented Jayen with a certificate stating he was officially a Sky Kid pilot!

He was also presented with a set of pilot wings! I can't believe how they went above and beyond to make the such a special day for Jayen and a hundred plus other kids. This is definitely one of the most memorable days of my life and hopefully Jayen's.

 

After his flight Jayen was welcomed back to the ground by cheerleaders cheering for him and the crowd clapping!

 

I can't get over his smile! I think he had an amazing day. We can't thank the pilot, Mr. Travis, enough for what he did for us. He not only donated his time, but his plane and the gas. Jayen sat in the front and didn't take his hands of the yoke at all. He knew he was a big deal! He keeps showing me the ASL sign for airplane then signing for more. I'm forever grateful for the gift my son was given today!