Adrian's First Flight

Becky, Adrian, and I are currently in New Haven, CT, home of Yale University, for a research project dealing with Adrian's absence seizures. The study will seek to gain information with a new form of scan that will analyze Adrian's brain activity during seizures using MRI imaging and EEG monitoring. It is hoped that this study will help researchers find better treatment protocols for kids with this type of seizures, and reduce the amount of medication that is necessary for them to function.

Our flight up here from Memphis was Becky and Adrian's first time to fly, and we took some photos along the way. The flight crew was especially kind to Adrian. The pilot noticed him in the terminal while waiting to board, wearing a jr. flight crew hat. He invited Adrian over and introduced himself, gave Adrian a card with his autograph, and personally invited him to visit the cockpit. We expected to get a look and a few kind words. Were we surprised! When we boarded the aircraft and made our way to the cockpit, Adrian was ushered inside and showed everything. He was even allowed to sit in the pilot's seat and move the yoke handle, throttle quadrants, and other controls. The pilot explained what everything did to help us fly. Adrian soaked up everything that was said. The crowning moment came when the pilot presented Adrian with a set of pilot's wings. Now, Adrian says he wants to be a pilot when he grows up! It was a great experience to start our journey. Enjoy the pictures below. I will post more and write more about the research testing in a few days.

Adrian and our plane in the background.Adrian and our pilot.Adrian asking questions.Adrian learning. Becky and Adrian in the cockpit. Adrian just got his wings from the pilot. How I usually fly. NYC from the air. On the ground in NYC.