“Because he’s the pilot. Today is his birthday — January 22, 1973. I’m getting older, and I don’t know how much time I have left. I just wanted to be close to him on at least one of his birthdays. This is the only way I can.”
Later, as the plane prepared to land in New York, the pilot spoke over the intercom:
“And I’d like everyone to welcome my birth mother, who is flying with me for the first time. Hi, Mom. Please wait for me after we land.”
Tears filled Stella’s eyes. When the plane stopped, the pilot—her son, John—rushed out of the cockpit to embrace her. The passengers and crew applauded as they reunited.
John whispered that he was thankful for the sacrifice she had made. Stella told him she had no regrets, and there was nothing to forgive.
