Coincidence or Divine Intervention — Dave’s Not Here

I was obsessed with hang-gliding in the mid-90s. 

This was early internet and pre-ubiquitous mobile phone days — the days of internet forums and message boards. I’d found a dedicated hang-gliding message board and stalked it daily. I had even started a conversation with the local (eastern PA) hang-gliding club leader. 

But I still hadn’t built up the courage to show up at the hill, let alone try it for myself. I was scared. 

When my wife and I booked a trip to Hawaii, though, I thought, “Why not Hawaii? Maybe this is the kick I need.” I found the contact information for a guy on Oahu with a tandem glider. The perfect exposure to a hang-gliding-curious but ultimately scared newbie like myself. 

I sent him a message, told him when I’d be there, and he agreed. He’s one of those perpetually excited dudes. Just give him a call when I get to the island, and we’ll schedule it.

So we got to Hawaii, and I started calling. No answer for two days. On day three, a woman answers. 

“Um, Hi. My name is John. Dave asked me to call about hang-gliding…”

“Oh? Really? I’m sorry, but Dave’s not here.”

“When will he be back?”

“No, I mean he’s gone. He’s over on the Big Island, and I don’t know when he’ll be back.”

And that was that. On some level, I was relieved. 

But as it turns out, this wasn’t the end of the story.