07/14/2026
First off, I apologize for not updating sooner. Even though itās been five months since the accident, so many emotions still come in waves.
A week before Gavinās birthday (June 15), he heard from the FAA about when heād be able to fly again. Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries, they are requiring him to wait five years. Two of his injuries automatically put him in the five-year category.
One of the concerns that the FAA has is the potential build-up of hemosiderin in the brain. Due to some of his more aggressive brain bleeds, he does have a slight elevated risk of developing seizures. Because of his age and overall health, thatās very unlikely, but the FAA wants a clean bill of health for five years to be certain.
Needless to say, when Gavin first got the news, he was devastated. Crushed. Felt like everything heād ever dreamed about and worked for was taken from him. Which it was.
However, Gavinās not a quitter. Not a victim. And refuses to sit idle while the world passes by. So, starting in November, Gavin will start aircraft mechanic school and earn his A&P license. He has decided to stay in the field of aviation, but as a mechanic until he can fly again. His goal is to get hired by Delta Airlines and get his foot in the door a different way.
Although, not the life Gavin had planned, weāre trusting Godās plan for his life.
On his birthday, Gavin came to me and Bryan and said, āI want yāall to know that Iām so grateful to have you two take care of me. I realize that not everyone would have the support I have. My heart is full.ā
āMy heart is full.ā Iāve heard that from him numerous times now. I canāt describe how it makes me feel to know that my 22 year old son, who has gone through so much and has had so much taken from him, still looks at his life as a blessing. š„¹šš»
