Decided not to get back into flying

[Karen Gould]

It took me awhile but I've decided I won't be replacing my balloon. It just cost to much right now to start from scratch. Especially with the economy right now, maybe the timing is good. The only thing is I haven't found the next "thing" that will replace ballooning. I got a lot of personal satisfaction from flying and all that it entailed that I just haven't found with anything else. I got off the reflector because it just made it harder to realize I wasn't going to get back in. I've only crewed a couple of times and probably won't go to any rallies. For 24 years ballooning was my life so it is hard to say good bye to it but I have finally come to terms with it. Now it is on to find the next adventure in my life.

[April]

Hi Karen! I'm so sorry to hear about your decision. I was hoping that since I had gotten back into crewing that I'd run across you one day...since you're part of my history in the sport. If I don't get that opportunity...I wish you the best!!! Thanks so much for helping to get me started :)

[Drew Egerton]

Karen,
Sorry to hear you won't be flying again. Maybe you'd still like to come to some of the CBA get togethers just to hang out. You're more than welcome.

[Louise Egerton]

I hope you find the next great adventure of your life. Maybe you won"t give it totally up? eho knows what the future holds?
I really have emormous respect for you and all your accomplishments to promote the women in ballooning!!

[Susan Brothers]

Karen,
I am honored to have had you as part of my balooning memories and as a friend. I hate you have made this decision. I do wish you all of the best for the next thing that comes into your life. Perhaps this time you pick something you want have to get up at 4 or 5 am for. I have had to reposition my place in the ballooning community since my injury, but I know I will always have a place in the ballooning family, just as you will always have a place here also.

Ever thought of a motorcycle- you know the need for speed. But you know at our age, we could almost be ready for wheelchair olympics. Perhaps when all of our gang has gotten to old to fly, we could add that to some of the balloon events schedules. I can see it now...us all rolling out in wheelchairs and on walkers and canes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I am handicapped from my balloon injury and I have an excuse to limp, but the rest of this bunch isn't far behind me- we are all getting old.

Soft Landings and Soft Winds always,

Susan Brothers