How I became a retired Airforce fighter pilot at age 15

Nothing makes me prouder than the achievements my two children make every day. From the first step, to a new learned word, from the first smile, to the funny phrases our two-year old makes. I am sure I exaggerate their accomplishments, though I don't need to. My children are simply the most perfect children on this planet. Just like every other child.

I've come to the realization, my parents do the same thing. Still. My dad's favorite story is how I was almost a fighter pilot.

Though the truth is far off. Yes, I did pass quite a few tests to become excepted to the air force training to become a pilot. Yes, I did pass tests not even 1% of all applicants pass. Yes, that still makes me smile.

But that fact is when I was called for a 3-day simulator test, I failed. And my journey to the skies ended. It left me sad for a while, though I accepted it and now it's just a memory.

But my dad still proudly and vividly remembers his daughter coming that far at age 15. And every time he refers to the story, he adds a little color to it. Imagine his reaction when I did a simulator test to see how many lessons I needed to get my drivers license (yes, 30, no drivers license, shut up) and I failed and the advice was 48 (!) hours of lessons. It was quite funny. I'll update on the drivers license topic soon.

Simulators aren't my thing when it comes to learning how to control vehicles. Yet failing the simulator test was my vehicle to the life I have now. And now I'm pretty happy with a less risky job and a loving family. With my two perfect children. Truth to be told, I never really liked the idea of warfare.

I daily zoom through pretend skies with Monkey. We race through big clouds with pretend airplanes, pretend rockets and pretend fighter jets. I'm grateful I didn't pass that test. Yet I'm grateful my dad still tells people the story. It makes me smile. Because only a loving parent can be proud of something a child tried, yet failed.

I love you dad.