’29 Lockheed Air Express by Tommia Wright

This past week saw the passing of Sally Ride and what would have been Amelia Earhart’s 115th birthday.

As a child, Amelia didn’t make the same impact on me as the Wright Brothers or Helen Keller or Albert Einstein. Yet she made an impact. Because of her, I wanted to travel. It took some time, but I did. I continue to – maybe not by plane as much. The mystery of her disappearance has drawn many to speculate, investigate. Reading about her accomplishments in the air and on the ground have intrigued me more.

Sally Ride influenced me for a short burst of time – thinking I could prepare to work for NASA. Then reality grounded me -along with limited success in certain sciences. To watch her take off on the shuttle was more than a ‘Yes, an American Woman Can Do It!’ kind of moment. Rather it was another example, another reminder of what strong women can do, despite the naysayers.

Have I given up on any other flights of fancy? Confession? No. One day I wouldn’t mind experiencing flight via glider or see how well I might do in a simulator. I’ve been to NASA in Florida once. Someday I might consider a return flight there again.

Who has helped lift up your dreams, your goals, the worlds of imagination and possibility?