Clear The Tower

In his characteristic ringing tones, Kennedy said it was time "for a great new American enterprise......I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth. If we are to go only halfway or reduce our sights in the face of difficulty, in my judgement, it would be better not to go at all." A great nation, he now realized, was one that undertook great adventures. The country was swept up by the space program and Rick wanted to be a part of it.

The job offer arrived from the West Coast to work on the Apollo Program for a generous sum of money. After some discussion, Rick and Betsy decided that it was an opportunity of a lifetime and they should not pass it up. Betsy did not like to fly so it was decided that Rick would fly out first, get organized and Betsy and the baby would follow on the train.

 Saying goodbye to both sides of the family, Rick headed to Kennedy Airport to take his first jet flight to the West Coast. The company flew him first class making the trip that much more enjoyable. Rick could not believe his incredible fortune. He sat next to a well dressed woman who was a buyer for a famous department store, alcoholic drinks were free, duck was served for dinner and the seats were roomy and comfortable.

The woman buyer explained her selection process in determining which clothes to purchase and the latest trends in women’s fashion. He explained his situation to her as she listened intently while each of them sipped on their cocktails. Rick promised himself that this would not be the last time he enjoyed this luxury. The flight was five hours , but the time passed incredibly quick. The first class travel lifestyle was more than he ever anticipated ; that feeling of importance and wealth.

Rick arrived at LAX and proceeded to Downey, California, the home of North American Aviation . Southern California was magnificent; warm sunshine, palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze, young girls with bronzed bodies and newly manicured houses and lawns. "This is more than I imagined", thought Rick. That night sitting in his motel room he wondered about the family back east. Would this relocation work out, would Betsy like being away from her family, would he be able to handle the job, and would this be a big mistake.

The next morning began in a typical Southern California manner; sunshine, traffic and a hint of a warm breeze. Rick proceeded to NAA to report  for orientation. He completed all the paperwork and took the required physical. In the afternoon, a young tanned woman took him and some other new employees on a tour of the facility. The size of the place was overwhelming and the various machines and aircraft production equipment were mind-boggling. Rick thought to himself, "What the hell can I do to help put a man on the moon. I am just out of college with no real skills."

That night he drove around the surrounding area looking for a motel/apartment that provided more room to accommodate Betsy and the baby upon their arrival in 5 days.

The next few days Rick surveyed the area to get the lay of the land. He finally found a larger room at a motel in Bellflower. It had a nice pool and immaculate manicured grounds he knew Betsy would enjoy .

Meanwhile, Betsy was getting ready to move to the West Coast. She was close to her family and this was going to be a disconcerting experience, moving across the country.

Her father said, "How long do you guys plan to stay out there? It’s expensive to live there you know. Megan won’t be able to see her cousins that often."

"This has been Rick’s dream for a long time. I am not going to stand in his way. If it doesn’t work out then so be it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained," said Betsy.

There was a final going away party with all the family. The next morning Dad and Mom drove them to Albany to catch the train for the West Coast.

Rick arose on Saturday morning anticipating the arrival of Betsy and Megan at Union Station in LA at 11:45 AM. The day before Rick’s father-in-law called. "You better leave for the train station at 8:00AM to make sure you get there on time. You are not familiar with the freeways out there and there is a lot of traffic. I don’t want you to be late and have them waiting around in LA."

Although not having actually made a trial run, Rick had a pretty good idea the route and amount of time it would take him to get there. He figured worst case scenario, maybe 11/2 hours. He listened to the old man and said, "Yes I understand. I will be there in plenty of time. Driving the freeway for the first time will be exciting."

Rick left the next morning per his father-in-laws instructions and arrived at the train station 3 hours before the train was scheduled to arrive, cursing out himself for listening to the old man. He toured the train station, which reminded him somewhat of Penn Station in New York. He then went outside to check out the neighborhood. It seemed to be populated mainly with Latinos running little mom and pop businesses.

The train arrived on time in the bowels of Union Station. Rick waited in anticipation behind the gate at the end of the track. Looking down the long concourse, he saw Betsy and Megan exiting the train pulling their luggage behind them. As they approached the waiting area, Rick was beaming ear to ear. He had not seen them for a few weeks and he wanted to show them all the facets of their new surroundings. Rick gave Betsy a long kiss as she entered the waiting area.

"God it ‘s good to see you. It’s been lonely out here without you. How was the cross country train ride?", said Rick. Megan jumped into Rick’s arms happy to see her father.

"The train ride was fun. Megan enjoyed it immensely. It is good to see you, too," replied Betsy.