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Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Last Flight Out

I remember hearing this story years ago, and I recently came across it once again. It's worth sharing and written by a Key West native named Clay Greager. I have never met Mr. Greager and can only give him credit for this public story, but it's one I think is well-worth passing along. One of these days, I'd like to share it with my dad (if he hasn't already heard it himself, that is!).

My dad used to fly Cessna airplanes back in the day. He and my adorable mom - very often joined by a collective group of fellow pilots and friends - would island-hop around New England for quick day trips or the occasional one-nighter. Nantucket here, Block Island there, etc. I believe they even flew down to the Keys once or twice, but I'm afraid my details are a little fuzzy on their longer trips. Mind you, they were living in upstate New York at the time, so the northern islands were much more practical. My parents always enjoyed a good adventure back then: Windjammer cruises with coconut bikini tops, island scooters around small towns, and mixing mean martinis behind some local bar shack. Yup, those were my parents! Anyway, here's a great story that I think they'd appreciate ...

The Story of Last Flight Out by Clay Greager

During the middle to late 70’s there were only two ways to either arrive or depart Key West. One was by car traveling the old US 1 highway with its infamous seven-mile bridge and the other was the only airline to service Key West, which was called AIR SUNSHINE. Their first flight was at 8:00am ending with the Last Flight Out at 11:00pm. That airline was affectionately called “AIR SOMETIMES” due to its inability to fly on schedule. During that period Key West was only visited by a small number of tourists and it was considered one of the worlds “best kept secrets.” It literally captured those who visited and the most often heard comment was: “I’m not leaving until the Last Flight Out!” Arriving at the airport they would often find that the plane was not flying or it was full. However this was not cause for despair, in fact there are still people in Key West from the 70’s waiting for their Last Flight Out!

The LFO story doesn’t exclusively apply to Key West. It doesn’t even have to deal with a location. We all have a Last Flight Out within us. It’s that wistful thinking of who you’d like to be…where you’d like to be…and with whom you’d like to be with. It’s that ultimate escape in your mind. That last thought right before you fall asleep. Change careers, change locations, find a partner. Don’t say: “I can’t!” Believe in yourself! Step out on that 10-meter diving board. Close your eyes and lean forward. Trust that there is water in the pool. STOP going back down the ladder. Believe that just for today the Sun rises just for you…

Truly believe that there is one more Last Flight Out in you.

Arrivals… Departures… That’s what it’s all about.


From
The Trilogy of the Last Flight Out by Elise Franzetta

First, you must DARE to dream…
about who you want to be,
where you’d like to go,
and what you’d like to do,
Then you must think positive…
get that STATE OF MIND
to help you through your journey.
Lastly, you must have the COURAGE
to pursue your goals…
and never stop reaching for your dreams!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Years ago I bought a Tee shirt in KW that inspired me to dream for more, to expect more from myself. To never ever stop trying to obtain those goals. Well after many years of trying and planning I am happy to say I am now a Conch Republic citizen in good standing and I owe it all to JB,whos' music first introduce me to KW. Also a small Tee shirt shop that told not to give up on my dreams. Thanks guys, yunz help more than you know.

Conchman

Anonymous said...

I found a copy of Clay's book in the small gift shop just off the waiting area in the Key West airport and am glad I bought it. When I finish it I'm going to send it to a Vietnam Vet friend of mine.

Victoria said...

It's such a great little read, isn't it? I hope you enjoyed your stay in Key West!

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