As the fully loaded 747 lifted away from Atlanta preparing to join the line of aircraft staging in the flight lanes to cross the North Atlantic, they had joined the group early attempting to avoid the Hurricane pulling-up along the East Florida coast headed to the North. The upper Jetstream was near perfect as it snaked along a like path and then curve out over the Atlantic. Today, near everyone will benefit from the strong tail wind. Things were different at the Atlanta Hanger as they began preparing for a glancing blow as 60% of the prediction models placed the storm’s eye to their East, but near all the others placed the eye passing just to their West. Aaa, the joys of Weather Predictions. With three aircraft in the Hanger, it was decided to support projects further to the West and Northwest of the Hanger with Frederick and the IT lab staff traveling to Phoenix to provide a final inspection and then preparation of the facility placement of the first NSS. Julio was on a more somber flight to visit his parents as dad was schedule for heart surgery, tomorrow morning, and the final aircraft had the Contract Law staff headed to Chicago to meet with Boeing staff regarding possibly adding an additional 747 or a?? The FBO staff had been tasked with safely shutting the Hanger down. Although designed to withstand a category 3 Hurricane, the electricity will be shutdown to limit damage and data being rerouted to the other two storage facilities.
Julio’s dad has spent a lifetime beating the local ‘big’ legal house in town to a point that they commonly negotiated a settlement prior to actually facing him in court. Both mom and dad had practiced law on the Northside of town with a wide range of clients from corporate big names, known throughout the area to pulling the local drunks out of jail. Julio was a mix of those two legal minds with mom’s sense of fairness /compassion to dad’s doggishness for details and joy of the court room. But the two of them, in the same office, was just not a fit for Julio. Carlos left early as he had a love of the sea and a dislike to following dad anywhere. Sweet, Rosa, was always just different, a bit of a free spirit with a bright legal mind. It was odd seeing his father in a hospital room as he had always been bigger than life in a court room, here he appeared small and fragile. The doctors stated that the surgery is common and his chances are excellent. Their only concern was his mental state. Maybe you can get him to accept that there is much to look forward too, as they are thinking that he is envisioning a life sitting on the sidelines.
Julio had come back late into the evening as hospital was near silent as he sat next to his father. In the near dark of the room, memories of his youth and early days in the law office flowed. He remembered sitting in dad’s chair looking out over the wood surface of the desktop, it seemed like it went-on forever. He heard his dad stir and ask if he was there. Julio answered, yes dad its me. I’m so glad you’re here son, I’ll been thinking about you of late. I’m so sorry that I failed you son. I was always pushing, always after the next win. But missed that right in front of me was my greatest success. I’m so proud of you Julio, you have far exceeding my own hopes for success. Dad, I’m a mixture of both you and mom, both of you have propelled me and allowed me to grow, thank-you both! The hug felt larger than life, as warm as Winter feathers and as comfortable as he had felt, yes, he had felt in Mary’s Wings. His dad saw the expression cross Julio’s face. You’ve met someone that has touched your heart, yes, my son? It was a confusing moment for Julio, as he said yes, yes, I have dad! Does she know Julio? Kind of dad, but we haven’t had that discussion. At the same moment he saw life in his dad’s eyes, something for him to look forward too.
As 1:00 hours early past, Julio’s mother entered the room finding her husband sleeping deeply, something she has not seen in years. Sitting next to him was her dear Julio. He had brought her such joy over the years. Her son was sleeping peacefully. She wondered what they had spoken about that brought comfort to them. She smiled, grateful for that moment. Her husband woke first and smiled widely at his dear wife. He motioned her close and stated softly that their son had met someone special. She asked if she has a name? Mary, he said. Mary his wife repeated, then added, well its about time! Mary’s been waiting for him, for years. Hmm, well, he called her earlier and told her that he loved her deeply. She saw the joy of life in his eyes, which she has not seem for far too long.
Surgery was scheduled very early that morning and was highly successful. Mid-morning his father was back in his room from recovery. Julio stated he needed to fly to Chicago for a meeting with Boeing but will be back late this evening. Happy smiles and hugs filled the room. Julio boarded the King Air for the quick trip to Chicago. With great joy, Boeing had arranged the meeting at the KLM O’Hara Lounge. Julio was updated by his staff and the meeting began. Julio was not surprised by the number of choices in aircraft available, just within the holdings of KLM. What he was surprised by was the level of interest that Boeing has in the special laptop that his organization had included in the delivery of the two new 747’s. Mealy International allowed Boeing access to those laptop had encouraged them to wanting it as part of their system testing both in real time and in simulators. Apparently, they had been following the 747 that set the speed record for that aircraft group. While the flight was underway, they had tweaked the aircraft to draw improves in the performance as it crossed the North Atlantic.
As the King Air was traveling the short distance up Lake Michigan with its reflection glimmering off the white body of the aircraft, Julio called Mary and affirmed his deep love for her and his need for her to be his life. I realize that I should be but a touch away from you at this special moment, but that’s at best several days away and my heart will not allow me another moment: My Dear Sweet Mary, Will You Marry Me? With the image of a tear forming in her eye, Julio both saw and heard her say, Yes, My Dear Julio, Yes, I Will! As Julio’s phone noted and incoming call. It stated that its his mother, shall be let her know? Mary said, yes. Julio opened to a conference call and said hi mom, say hello to your future daughter in-law. Oh, Mary, I cannot tell you how happy we are to welcome you to our family, right dad? By this point, the tears were flowing as Julio’s mother phone rang, she stated it was Carlos. Julio guided her thru adding him to the conference call. Carlos quickly picked-up on the size of the gathering. Hi dad and mom and Julio and, and Mary? Hi future brother in-law, Mary stated. Carlos responded with, welcome to the family sweetheart. About time Julio!! So, when is the wedding, you two, Carlos asked? Mary stated, we haven’t gotten that far yet, but I would love if your father could stand in for my father, Mr... He cut her off, please Mary, call me Dad! She started again, would you stand in for my father, Dad.? I would be proud to Mary. Carlos added this is going to be one heck of a Wedding, tons of Double Yellow-Head’s with a room filled with Amazons, Macaws, Too’s, Grey’s just to start the list! The Pilot announced final approach, please prepare for landing. Julio’s mom asked Mary to call her after this call and Julio filled the moment with, I Love You Mary as he ended the call. Mary called her mother in-law to be, she answered with Mary, I’m so very happy that my son finally asked you, dear! As you know, our guys are a bit slow on asking but are dear heart’s for a lifetime. Your Dad would like to talk with you! Hi dear lady, I’m so happy that you are joining our family. Julio loves you so deeply, Mary, and I will be so proud to be part of your wedding. Julio’s mother has a tear in her eye, I as her husband saw and asked what should bring a tear my love. She said, I so miss Rosa as a single tear became a flood. They held each other as they missed her so very much.
Mary saw the short text from Julio, while she was speaking to his parents. Dear Love, I’m going to announce our engagement to Priscilla and Frederick before my pilots’ spread the news thru the organization. Love you. She texted him saying better make it fast as there are few things faster than the back channel, Love you. Subject: Announcement My dearest friends, cohorts, partners. It is my pleasure to announce Mary and my engagement as I wanted the both of you hear it from us!