"Jay Honeck" wrote:
Having lost both of my parents, one in '93 and one in '99, I know exactly
what's going inside Mary's head -- and it was good to see here happy again,
if only for a few hours. These coming few days are going to be absolute
hell for her, but hopefully those 30 minutes spent soaring will stay with
her and help...

Jay, my sympathies on Mary's loss, yours too. My mother's death and her
profound words to me the week before were my inspiration for learning to
fly. She said: "You'll never look back and regret time you spent on your
loved ones; don't get to where I am (dying), look back and regret *NOT*
having spent time on yourself." On the first anniversary of her death, I
took a glider demo ride. Took my checkride (glider) just over a year
from the demo ride, with a few months off when dad died. Transitioned to
power last year. They told me the same thing on final approach ... once
it's trimmed and lined up, use the throttle like you did the
spoilers/divebrakes.

To me, even though they're both "flying", it's like the difference
between Megadeth and Kenny G! I love both, but powered flight is so
manic in comparison!