None of us expected to be as moved as we were when we got there. We had heard of one person actually crying when he went through the museum. We couldn't understand how that was possible. But after hearing the talk the museum guard gave, RM and I looked over at one another and both of us actually had tears in our eyes!
This is a true replica of the original first plane, right down to the exact size and weight.
Before the guard spoke, we walked through a series of displays that explained what Orville and Wilbur did, how they designed the plane, where they worked, the bike shop they started in, the house where they lived, the men who influenced them, etc. There was an actual piece of the original plane that Neil Armstrong took with him up in space which was really neat.
Then we listened to the guard explain in more detail what these two men did and the impact on the world of those first 12 seconds of flight. He held up a picture that was taken without their knowledge of that first flight. He said, "This picture shows a birth and a death." Everyone understood that it was the birth of a new age, the age of flight. He went on to explain that amazing things happened with that birth, but he also explained that terrible things came with the age of flight as he described the flags being at half mast three days earlier on 9/11. "We all know what can be done with planes, too," reflecting on why the flags were down.
Then he asked us if we could see a death in the picture. I wasn't quite sure what he meant, but that's when we started to talk about all the paintings of the great men and women on the walls around the room. "Because of these two men, we see the death of impossibility in this picture. Each one of these portraits is proof of what these men accomplished." He described the man who beat the sound barrier or the first woman who crossed the Atlantic....all of those people were told they would never be able to do what they dreamed of doing. Orville and Wilbur were great examples that there was no such thing as impossible. "Impossible just means it has been figured out yet!" he said.
I think it struck us because we're always facing the impossible - raising 8 kids for the first time with no experience doing this, farming a farm with no experience, trying to kill debt when it seems impossible, longing to change people's lives with the love of Christ when it seems like Satan has such a grip.....
Yet, despite so many challenges they did it, they accomplished the impossible. But not on their own. They had the help of family. These two men had a mom and dad who loved them very much. Their dad was a minister who travelled a lot, but he gave them the resources they needed to accomplish their dreams. Their mom and sister were both a tremendous support, even financially, as their mom became a silent partner in one of their businesses. As boys, they were entrepreneurial right from the beginning. It was neat to see their 4 year age gap didn't impact their relationship as brothers. So it wasn't a solo experience. They needed the support of others, especially family. If we accomplish any of our dreams, it'll be because of our families, too. We've had so much support along the way. They also had friends, really good friends, who believed in them and came the distance. They even had strangers from the Outer Banks kick in to help, too. People who were just plain hospitable and gave them a hand when they needed it. It was a great reminder no one accomplishes anything on their own. We all need help along the way.
After his talk, we walked outside and saw reproductions of their "camp". They had to build living quarters for themselves as they were going to be there so long to do all their tests. A few feet away from that we stood on the very spot that the Wright brothers stood, as well as Amelia Earhart, who came for the 25th anniversary of the first flight in 1928 where a monument was erected. Then we walked the actual path of the first four flights. It was amazing.
The "camp" they set up.
The monument in the distance. We walked all the way!
Now it is all covered in grass and cactuses, but 112 years ago it was all sand. We turned and walked up the long path to the top of the hill where they did thousands of glider test flights. They chose this spot in Kill Devil Hills, on the Outer Banks because of the soft sand for landings and the great winds. At the top of the hill another huge monument was built. It was incredible to stand on the top of this hill and look down and see what they saw. The words inscribed around the monument were beautiful, too: "In Commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Conceived by genius. Achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith." Stunning, remarkable words....dauntless resolution, unconquerable faith....nothing could stop these guys. They conquered the impossible.
We all left inspired to take on the impossible, too.
Our oldest, ready to take on the world!
All 8 on another replica of the first flight!
#8 in front of the place where the 3rd flight occurred on that amazing day. He just happens to be 3, too.....
amazing....one word, wow.
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