Sky:

I agree, the post was brilliant. My greatness, and great wisdom I might add, has been achieved with little personal destruction, but did require sacrifice and hard work. Despite your assertion that the pain of failed dreams fade, I respectfully disagree. One only has to look at you to prove otherwise. You have convinced yourself that the abandonment of this career was in your best interest, and perhaps it was; however, the pain of being out of the cockpit is manifest in almost all of your posts. I am happy you have found success in other venues, but don't try to convince me that you don't miss sitting where I do. Sky, you and I are friends, and I strongly agree with you that this career is not for everyone. There are however, many who inquire on this very forum, who will go on to achieve what most would call dreams. Their quest will be achieved and their commitment and sacrifice will pay off. There are others, who for whatever reason, will not make it. We hear some of those sad stories here, including yours. There are many here who have made it and it should be through their inspiration and advice, combined with those like yourself, that newbies balance out their decisions about getting into this profession. I hope this finds you well up in the nippy Northwest.