Yes... this very much describes where I'm at. I've kinda found a level of "input" that I am willing to give my relationship... and that's that.
FF
Morning Formflier!
Cant resist the urge to 'highjack' a little here, but that's what friends are for right : )
(please pardon the nautical "talk")
*Level of input given, is perceived by evidence gathered.
So, you launch off the Boat, at sunset… in your E2 Hawkeye… on a long patrol… how many pounds of gas you got onboard, what is your blue water bingo… are you rigged for air to air refueling(?)… what was the weather report in briefing… you climb, gain airspeed to your cruising altitude, and set course heading… you are now the eyes of the task force, the battle group is depending on you and your crew to be a looking glass over the horizon… I can almost smell the JP!
Said another way…
You and Mrs. FF have been married for a long time, well over two decades now (?)… you've got eight beautiful children with her… its been rough, its been hard, but you've persevered… you know where you came from, and you are pretty sure where you are at right now… and I do think you can picture where you want to go… and I on track here?
We do get worn down, we get lots of "flight hours" on us, the constant drumbeat, vibration, stress… takes its toll, like sitting in that cockpit for hours and hours on end, looking out the windscreen at an empty, and endless ocean… in great weather, and in very bad weather… one minute your bored, and even tired, and in the next minute your scared $hitless!… it can change just that quickly… (BPD)
But FF is a seasoned aviator, husband, and father… he's no "nugget"… he is a FLIGHT LEADER!
The "Skipper" !
You've been "on cruise" for long time now Formflier… not much you ain't seen or experienced out here.
Your family absolutely depends on you, to be their Father, their Leader, their "Spiritual Guide"… you are DAD!
What do I get from your post, you have the navigation down "pat"… you know how far you have to go, you know where you want to go… and you know how much gas you have in your fuel tanks… you have studied the weather forecast... and you are a seasoned veteran of many a dark and stormy night at sea, and in the air, and finding your way back to the carrier, back home again, and then being able to come back aboard the ship… sometimes almost out of gas… sometimes with major issues with your aircraft's flight controls (Mrs. Formflier).
You are doing the mission conservation thing Formflier… "operational risk management"…
You know how much you are able to; and as well how much of "it" you are willing to give to your marriage… without winding up in the drink (water)… out of gas and airspeed is a very bad place to be (yes)…
That's where I'm at / at the moment… I bobbing around out here in the deep dark ocean, without a plan, almost out of hope… I abandoned my aircraft, or did "she" abandon me?… I did NOT manage my mission assets properly, and I crashed.
You got a breather, some popcorn, and a hot cup of coffee in the ready room, and you know, its almost time, .you are going topside, to man up again soon… you are taking mental and emotional inventory, your "pre-flight" checklist.
Your going to be just fine Brother… take Mrs. FF into your arms, and squeeze her tight, and tell her you love her more than anything else in the whole wide world…
Maybe she climbs aboard with you, maybe she doesn't… but at least your strapped in good and tight again, and its time to start those engines… the Yellow Shirts are ready to taxi you to the waist CAT now…
Take Care Formflier !
(secure from high-jack)
Red5
