How I found my wings....A true fairytale by Matthew Macon

by Matthew D Macon
(Tongonoxie, Kansas, U.S.A.)

How I found my wings....A true fairytale by Matthew Macon

My first flight.

I take a look back and I find myself in a familiar place.

I'm 9 years old.

I'm running through our field with my brother with our arms spread wide and were flying.

We talked about how we would be fighter pilots.

We talked about flying to the moon.

We talked about finding our wings.

You see , my brother has down syndrome and will never fly.

He will never even drive an automobile.

Because of this I made a vow to him at a very young age.

I would find both of our dreams for us, I would find his wings.

We were not wealthy.

We lived in an old broken down 14x70 mobile home that barely stood.

I was smart enough to know that my mother just didn't have the income to send me to school, I would have to face life on my own.

I was not worried about it though. I had faith. I had drive to find my way...Find my wings.

I was one of 5 children being raised by our divorced mother.

We fought for what we wanted and earned every dime we ever had.

I had a dream that I had to achieve.I would be the first in our family to get a higher education and make a life for US.

I would fight longer , and harder than anyone else.

I would find our wings.

When I found ATU I knew I was home.

I felt the type of connection from the other students that you get when you see your best friends.

I found a great instructor with pure intentions and respect for everyone around him.

I found memories that I will talk about with my grandchildren.... I found my wings...

Thanks for the memories

Matthew D Macon

6-3-08