My Father always told me from an early age, “find something you love and you will never work a day in your life!”
My Dad didn’t just say this, he lived it. He started his own construction business in his early 20’s than later apprenticed and became an owner/operator of standard bred race horses in his mid 40’s. He was lucky to have two passionate ventures in his life.
I have tried many career pathways in my lifetime and have never seemed to follow a traditional pathway both personally or professionally. I am a bit of a late bloomer, still trying new things and finding out my likes and dislikes along the way; striving for more happy days.
Thanks Dad for your wise words. I shared this with your Granddaughter Megs yesterday while driving home from the “Girls Can Fly Event” which took place at the Waterloo Regional Airport.
My 15 year old daughter recently took a career and civics course in grade 10 this year and had identified an interest in becoming a pilot. Wow, honestly how cool is that at 15 to think you want to be a pilot.
I commend all professional career persons who have had the dedication, ability and support it takes to turn a dream into a reality. How does that happen?
Perhaps this is what her great grandfather Len Ariss a pilot had felt his calling at such an early age. He later went on to build the Guelph airport, a small airport which he owned and operated for over 50 years in the community. Many successful pilots learned to fly on the two runways, one of my childhood friends Susie lived out on the airport strip of houses. She always knew she would be a pilot from a very young age.
Susie later became a fighter pilot and a graduate of the Royal Military College. I have fond memories of looking up at her bedroom ceiling during sleepovers watching the glow of a space galaxy. I watched her take all of the necessary steps to do all of the things she needed to do to achieve her goals. I admired her tenacity, hard work and knowing what she wanted to do when she grew up from a very early age.
I find it so interesting to see how people find their paths.
Whilst talking with one of the captain women pilots at the event yesterday she said one of the most valued skills in piloting is common sense. I shook my head in agreement as I would certainly want my pilot flying my jet in the skies to be well equipped with common sense. I thought she would have said the most important thing would have been strong math and sciences, important but not more important than a good head on your shoulders.
I have always wanted to take my daughter to the event. What a thrill to see the big smile of hers when she put on the captains hat and coat and stood beside the big jet to have her proud Momma take a photo. Perhaps one day she will fly that plane and take me as a passenger what a thrill that would be for our family.
I would also be happy if she stayed on land and worked a local retail outlet or whatever occupation she chooses that pays the bills and puts a smile on her face. I honestly get what my parents have said to me all along. They just wanted me to be happy with whatever I did!
Another sage piece of advice my Dad gave me along the way was “happiness is an inside job!”
I pray my children will be happy and healthy and will find their happy in whatever they decide to do. They have our 100% support with whatever they do, I just hope they choose wisely. I am now sounding like my Mother, I know this is something she would have said to me. Funny how when your growing up you never want to be like your parents, and now looking back I am truly honored to have pieces of them in me.
Sadly both my parents passed away last year, their memories, advice and love shine bright in the stars above. I asked my Dad shortly before he passed how would I know he made it to my Mom. He took a few moments to answer and then said, “dancing with the stars.” I didn’t really understand what he meant.
I know without a doubt it is my parents dancing in the stars, they are reunited and are now dancing in the stars together.
I hope you will enjoy your day either flying the skies or with both feet firmly planted in the ground.
Talk soon
Nancy ~
