"Things Will Never Be the Same"

Aaron lifted off today. Everything went smoothly on this end.

• Aaron got to bed at the reasonable hour of about midnight.
• We all got up about 6 a.m.
• Together we made it down to our little town cafe for breakfast.
• Checked in and had a friendly airport employee who checked in Aaron's bags with no problems.
• Sat in the coffee shop together and waited as one of his Rotary representatives, Greg Solon, joined us.
• Kissed him good-bye with minimal tears. 
• Watched him go through security as the first TSA agent told him he thought he needed more "bling."
• Waved good-bye.
• Moved the car to the end of the run way to wait to watch him take off.
• Visited with another Rotary member, Dick Conklin, who was just five minutes late to see Aaron.
• Waved to his airplane as it taxied to start its lift-off.
• Watched it lift off.

Then we all started our new journey. As we pulled out of the airport, Mike said, "You know, just like 18 years ago, things will never be the same." 

"Yeah, I know," I replied. We both recalled the last time he told me those words. It was on our route to the hospital on the day Aaron was born. 

Aaron lifted off today...in oh so many ways. 

One last kiss.

First security check point

Second security check point.
Looking comfortable for the flight.