To answer the question that has come to just about every one's mind- NO, I am not pregnant! :) But I do have some UBER exciting news to share with everyone!
As many of you know, Cole has worked as an off-shore helicopter pilot in the Gulf of Mexico for the past three years. His career was going very well there, and with the exception of having to spend two weeks a month away from home, he was really enjoying his job.
Then came October 18, 2011. The day that rocked our world, and not in a good way. That was the day that we found out that Ava was an angel. With the diagnosis, and the prognosis of AS, along with the issues we will likely face in the near future like seizures, Cole decided almost immediately to begin searching diligently for a job closer to home. I had been praying that, when the time was right, he would be able to have a job closer to home anyway. But we really kicked those prayers into high gear after that day!
Well, the Lord has just opened door after door, and placed people in our path that have turned out to be instrumental in our journey. I am so thankful for those people, and I am SO excited, thankful, and proud to announce that my husband is now....
ANGEL ONE PILOT
FOR
ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL!!!!
Ahhh! I still can't believe that it I just typed that!!! So surreal to me! They are one of the best in the nation, state of the art for both aviation and medical technology, and their mission is SO special and important. And I think Cole understands the importance of the program from both a pilot's standpoint as well as a parent's.
If you google "Arkansas Children's Hospital Angel One", you will see that the program has been featured by several online aviation publications. Because it is one of the BEST! And now they have, in my opinion anyway, one of the BEST and MOST DEDICATED pilots around! Our lives have changed so much (for the better) now that Cole is working so close to home and even gets to sleep in his own bed every night (or day, since he will be flying some nights). He has actually unpacked his suitcase and doesn't keep his toiletries in a "go bag" anymore! It is awesome!
But most of all, he gets to spend more time with his daughter when she needs him the most, and more time with me when I need him the most. The LORD has just opened door after door for him and I know that He has great things in store for Cole. And I am so proud of Cole and proud for him to be a part of such an amazing team that does incredible work for the children of Arkansas and surrounding states. Arkansas Children's Hospital is a world class hospital, and we are so proud and blessed to be an ACH family!
These pictures were taken after he finished his last training flight. They celebrated with a surprise "hose down" on the helipad, and Ava and I got to join in the fun! And it was SO much fun!!! Even when he hugged me and got me drenched too!
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Ava and I were hiding while Daddy landed his helicopter. Everyone was hidden all over the helipad entrances so he really had NO idea what was coming. Thankfully his fellow pilot was able to get his phone from him before they landed!
I would also just like to say that we have raised our girl right- she is NOT scared of helicopters, even when they are landing 20 feet away! Of course, I did have her sitting in a Blackhawk before she was 4 months old. That could be why! |
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| Round one of the water! |
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| Round two... |
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| Round three (notice the hose being brought out!) |
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| Finale! He was SOAKED!!!! They got him good! |
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| Pausing for his applause and speech! Bless his heart, he was so embarrassed! |
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| I think this was at the point his boss was congratulating him and welcoming him to the team. |
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| And this was the point where his boss mentioned that I was in on it since yesterday... |
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| See? SOAKED! |
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| FYI: Flight suits weigh about 100lbs when soaking wet. |
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| He gave me a big soppy hug... |
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| Then he gave Ava one! Of course, she enjoyed "Wet Daddy" more than me! HAHA! |
If you would like to learn more about the team that Cole is now a proud part of, check out their pages
here on the ACH website!!!
4 comments:
I know you're so proud of him, and I can't imagine how thrilled you must be to have him home. =)
What a PERFECT job!!! One of my best friend's husband flies for the Air Force, and I know how hard it is on the family when he is gone...sometimes for months at a time. I am soooo thrilled for you & your family! Congrats!!!!!
I'm so happy for all of you! What more perfect a job than Cole get to be an Angel One pilot and the Daddy of an Angel! God has blessed you even when it seems like not a blessing. Love ya and miss ya!
Carolyn Wright
BHSLR
This brought tears to my eyes; thanks for sharing such a happy moment!!
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