This past Saturday I officially became the best daughter ever.
Well at least until my sister comes up with a clever gift by Christmas and one-ups me. But until then, I will relish in the joy of finally making my dad as happy as he makes me all the time.
Here is the gift that made my dad grin from cheek to cheek:
OK so I didn't buy him the plane, but I did pay extra to get my dad a ride in the co-pilot seat.
The Morris chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association provided me this opportunity to become the best daughter ever. Last weekend they sold tickets for rides on a 1929 Ford Tri-motor plane.
Only 199 of the Ford Tri-motors were constructed. The one being flown in Morris was the 146th built. These planes were the country's first commercial planes, but once better ones were created they became used in other countries. This particular plane was used in Cuba's largest airlines fleet in the 30s and in the mid 40s it became the Dominican Republic's Air Force One. It eventually was used as a crop duster and to fight forest fires. Eventually the Illinois EAA bought the plane and fixed it up. It is now used in air shows and for public rides.
I didn't tell my father what we were doing on Saturday. I just told him to drive to Morris and as we exited I-80 he looked up in the sky and said, "Look at that," and filled with excitement. As he started to tell me the history of Tri-Motor planes I busted out laughing and said "That's what were doing today. We're going to ride that."
He was in shock and could only say "Really?" As we pulled up to the airport he couldn't get his camera out fast enough to take pictures of it flying in. As I signed us up he paced with excitement. Once they let us go to the plane he bolted to the door. When the man in charge asked the crowd who was sitting up front my dad's hand flew to the air and he looked like a kid in a candy store as he said "I'm the co-pilot."
As many of you know I dream of getting my pilot's license one day, so this plane ride was just as exciting for me.
But nothing will ever top the look on my dad's face as he saw that airplane and learned we were going to ride it. I will never forget when we got off the plane and he hugged me and said it was the best gift he had ever gotten.
My whole life my father has done everything in his power to give my sister and I what we needed and what we wanted, as long as we didn't get too spoiled. All I've ever wanted was to give him something in return that makes him as happy and excited as I get with the things he does for me. Seeing his smiling face was the best gift I could have ever gotten.
Mallory Medved is an assistant managing editor of weekly publications for
the Sun-Times News Group. She helps cover the Lincoln-Way area and towns
southwest of Joliet. Being naturally nosy has led her to a career in
journalism and fulfilled her dream of getting paid to read. Being a new
homeowner and a future bride, she's also perpetually broke, but enjoys
hearing about other people in the same situation. She lives in Plainfield
but is a native of New Lenox.
Christina Chapman is a Will County resident who desperately wants to live in Grundy County. But since she lost that battle with her boyfriend when they bought a house, she makes due covering Grundy County news for The Herald News in Joliet. When not covering municipal meetings, school events and finding the truth behind the latest coffee talk, she is trying to balance life as a young home owner who is fighting the stereotype that she is living in sin because she is not yet married. She hopes to share with you her perspective on life and the news in hopes that you’ll share yours.
I think I might have tears in my eyes...just a little. We should take our dads out. They would totally get along. Maybe lunch one day out at the airport!
Wow!!
What a great birthday present! I talked to your dad on the phone about the plane ride, and he sounded like a kid in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory! That's going to be one tough present to beat!
There's nothing better than two daughters trying to up one another to their dad's benefit! My daughter bought me a one-way ticket to Istanbul. I'm not sure if it was for the love, or if she's still mad at me for not letting her date until she turns 40!
Anyway, two thumbs up and three cheers for making Rick one happy camper!!
Fishing buddy Doug
Very cool present......
and a thoughtful daughter - reminds us of her Dad-