I recall how excited I was to graduate from flight school. I recall while living in Roanoke, Va wondering what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to go to college. I could not afford that expense. So after some careful research I decided to apply to flight school. I was accepted by Braniff, American and Eastern Airlines. I went with Eastern because their flight school was in Miami, Fl. I was only going to fly long enough to acquire enough money to attend college.
So off I went. I had never seen such beautiful girls as classmates; most were former beauty queens. We also had one stripper...when Eastern found out about her she was discharged. She kept riding around in big limousines and putting her jewels in the safe at night. Wow!
The classes were demanding. Near the end of the training we had to fly on various air crafts to be certified every weekend.
My roommate was Miss Cincinnati. She had loving parents who sent her food care packages. She had some appetite for such a slim body.
I of course as my whole life had no family support. I never received mail at mail call. I have learn to live with this situation even today it is true. My real family is Jesus. Wow. I love him! He is all I need.
The airline treated us well. They gave us free make-up and taught us how to put it on. They taught us how to walk. Our hair could not be dyed or touch our collar. We were allowed to peg our wonderful tight skirts.
Graduation was great. Most family members attended. My chosen family was Malcolm whom I had dated for the last 5 years. I was madly in love with this young attorney from Miami, Fl.
I was based in NY. The night flight to my home base was unbelievable flying over NYC at night for this first time view.
I eventually shared an apartment with 4 other flight attendants. Need to say the fridge always had champagne plus other special treats left over from the plane.
I want to say no passenger ever came on to me. They were polite and kind. I met a few celebrities. They were kind. The only rude moment I recall was dead heading a plane (no passengers) and a crew member told me every filthy joke he knew for two hours. Being the 20 year old who did not know how to handle that creep.
All in all my flight experience was great! When I became engaged to marry, the crew scheduling guys..whom I adored...always saying" Canterbury when the ducks are walking Eastern is flying..."
They tried to convince me not to marry. " Just live with the guy and don't tell Eastern". Looking back good advice considering the marriage ended in a horrible divorce. I did have two beautiful daughters that God gave me. Once divorced that is when my life really began after the dark grief I experienced. I was able to continue to do God's work working as a Mental Health Counselor and an Alcohol and Drug Specialist. A good life. 
Just a few thoughts about flying with Eastern Airlines. Those days flying was a joy and real privilege to work as a flight attendant. I know things are different today in flying. I choose to have my special memories of a wonderful adventure.
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