I attended an auction that was held at Cascadian Place in Everett last year. The proceeds of the auction went to Meals on Wheels of Snohomish County. There were numerous items that were auctioned off, one being a helicopter ride for three people. I was fortunate enough to win the helicopter ride.
I waited until the weather was good and called the benefactors who donated the helicopter ride, Richard and Rhonda Mietzner of Lake Stevens. Arrangements were made for the ride and I called my son and asked him if he wanted to bring along my 7-year-old grandson Joey. He agreed and stated that we would not tell my grandson about the helicopter ride until we got out of the car and were walking toward the helicopter. My grandson wanted a Navy shirt, so before meeting me, they stopped off at the Naval Exchange in north Marysville. Instead of getting a Navy shirt, he walked right up to a rack of clothes and chose a jump suit – the kind the pilots wear while they are in the service.
When we met with Richard and Rhonda, it went all uphill from there. My grandson was beside himself with joy. Our pilot, Richard, explained the safety requirements and up we went. We flew to Stanwood, over Joey’s house, up the coastline of Whidbey Island, over to Seattle to Boeing Field, back up to Monroe and after more than an hour we landed back at Lake Stevens.
It was the first time son and grandson had flown in a helicopter. We all had the time of our lives. Richard was very informative and the lessons he taught us will remain with us for the rest of our lives. I would like to thank Richard and Rhonda for their donation to a worthy cause, which in turn gave my family a day they will never forget.
BOB MONIZE
Camano Island
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