On a chilly, Richmond July afternoon, an Army Nomad fixed winger touched down and taxied to our terminal. The Captain, an Army Major, was transporting some ex-Army types back from Oakey, Queensland. Stepping into the terminal, I greeted him and he instantly recognised my face from the day that he had picked his passengers up, three days earlier. Awaiting a re-fuel prior to his departure, we engaged in some small talk until the aircraft was ready to go. I left him momentarily to check the re-fuel, which was just completed. I returned and noticed a small, blonde boy about 10 or so pacing the passenger check-in area.
" The bird's full and right to go Sir." He stepped laconically away from the counter. "Thank you for your courtesy Corporal,... have I introduced you to my Co-Pilot?" He motioned to the youngster who turned and approached me with hand extended." This is Jamie." I took his hand and shook it. He was a handsome little fellow and his shake was sure and confident, not brash or obnoxious, just polite and genuine. I looked at the well worn flight-style jacket he wore which was adorned with Army pilot cloth wings, sewn correctly and neatly military style above the left breast pocket, and various other metal wings, badges and aviation styled regallia. I assumed that he was the Major's son, though the Major looked a bit long in the tooth for children of that age.
" This is your son Sir?", I said as I smiled at the boy. Jamie piped up with an earnest look on his face, " I'm sort of his... step-son,.....well, I'm gunna be!" The Major's modest glance at me suggested a foster child situation, things like that are obvious to me, having been exposed on a personal level to those things in my own past. I wondered and looked to the Major. "That's right.", he said with a knowing nod.
"Are you going to be a Pilot one day mate?" I lowered myself to his level across the counter.
"Yes." His reply was direct and secure. The Major stepped closer to the child and placed his large hand gently upon his shoulder.
"He also said he'd like to be a genetic engineer.....," I looked to the boy who nodded in agreement. The Major straightened his posture to extend his full height, in excess of a good six and a half feet."....so he can change things."
The statement rung with a poingnancy of a gifted poet, a prophet, or of a profound orator with a message of promise and hope. I paused momentarily and savoured the humanity that I felt privelleged to witness.
" I had a Step-Dad too you know," I said to the boy. His face took on a look of expectation, " Did you !"
" Yes, and he was a good one too." I felt a sense of incompleteness about my last comment, and the boy
was searching my face for more.
" Step-Dads are the best Dads you know !", I continued.
He stepped a little closer, "Why?"
I lowered my voice.
" Because they don't have to be your Dad....they want to be your Dad ! "
He smirked with a consciousness that belied his tender years, the message ringing with a glow of truth in his eyes. With a wink and a goodbye the two left and jumped aboard the aircraft. As they glided into the coolness of the day, images of loneliness, hopelessness and fear gripped my heart as my past grappled my faded but distinct memories of a child faced with the same frightening scenario. I then suddenly realised that my fate was spared by the love of a man not of my blood, a man not unlike the kindly Major. I soon soothed to the knowledge that the little life that lay in those big hands that rested so gently upon the little boy’s shoulders were to be his saviour in this life. I wished on reflection to have been able to somehow thank the Army Major, but there was no need really, his reward will surely come.
Want to review or comment on this short story?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviewed by Cathy McGough
3/21/2002
"Because they don't have to be your Dad, they WANT to be your Dad" - says it all. A very touching story Glenn. :)
