20 Years with Delta

In case I've never mentioned it, My husband Bill works for Delta Airlines. He is a lead mechanic. He supervises other mechanics, mechanic's helpers, cleaners and other various personnel. He designs and builds, or supervises the building of, equipment such as test stands. He inspects airplane parts after they have been serviced. In his 20 yrs he has either worked on or supervised others working on starters, pneumatic valves, (various parts for AC and pressure control), coffee makers, chillers (refrigerators), cockpit windows, and ovens just to name a few parts. He looks to save the company and hopefully the consumer money by finding ways to decrease costs on part retrieval and maintenance.

He has been blessed to have a wonderful schedule of 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM. He does work overtime as he chooses until 6:30 PM most days right now. We are able to fly free (standby)along with our children and his parents. He also can provide special rates to a limited # of friends and family. He works indoors unless he needs to run out to an AOG (Airplane On Ground) that needs to take off but needs his expertise first.

As you may have noticed, I am quite impressed by my husband's abilities. I praise God for providing a great job where Bill's talents shine. Sure, there are definite ups and downs in the airline industry. I remember on one of our first flights after marriage being prepared by Bill to move to Alaska if he got laid off. I was listening to The Cranberries "Dreams" on the headset as I sat in the first class cabin and watched the plane circle Atlanta's airport on takeoff.

Oh my life is changin' everyday,

in every possible way.

And oh my dreams, it's never quite as it seems,

Never quite as it seems.

He was never laid off. Then, almost a decade later, came September 11, 2001. I sat in my glider after nursing Baby Will and watched in horror as the second plane hit the World Trade Center. I looked down at my sweet 2 1/2 month old baby and he was smiling up at me with no clue as to how many lives were just lost and how much our lives had just changed. Our small congregation gathered at the church that night and prayed. We spent time with dear friends at their home trying to sort through it all. We then headed home and I looked up into the night sky and saw no planes flying, not even one. It was the first time I'd ever seen a vacant night sky above our South Atlanta area home.

The events of Sept 11th put into motion my husband's spiritual calling to take a voluntary furlough from Delta and find work at Ft. Rucker Alabama repairing helicopters. This meant 5 homes in 5 years and lots of my tears. His seniority was not effected as he went on furlough.

These bumps in his employment with Delta were definitely trying but I am so very thankful for his employment there. He celebrated 20 yrs with the company on January 7th. He was sent an email with a choice of service awards and asked me to pick one out. He doesn't wear a watch, so that traditional memento was not an option. I asked around and the mantle clock is apparently not a good choice either.

We have needed some everyday dinnerware for some time. One of the choices was Royal Doulton Gordon Ramsay Maze Dinnerware. I felt like this was not much a celebration of Bill but he said that he would love for me to have it. I have ordered it and I am so excited about receiving and using it. It is the same pattern that Mr. Ramsay uses in his London Restaurants.

Congratulations to my sweet, talented, hardworking Bill. I thank you for allowing me to pick your award. Please know that many yummy meals will be served to you and your family on these plates.