Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.
Ruben Flowers Jr. and son in 1994 – Southwest Airlines.
Dad Ends Career by Recreating Adorable Photo With Son Who is Now a Pilot at Same Airline–LOOK
From a Chicago airport comes the beautiful story of a father and son who were able to recreate a special moment to celebrate an even more special one.
Newly-fledged pilot for Southwest Airlines Ruben Flowers III got to ride shotgun on his father’s final flight before retiring, which they memorialized by taking a photo in the same position as one nearly 30 years earlier.
Ruben Flowers Jr. was getting ready for take-off back in 1994 when his son, Flowers III, got to visit the captain. Sitting in the co-pilot’s seat, they snapped a nice photo.
Flowers Jr. flew for Southwest for 30 years, all the while inspiring his three children to take to the skies as well, with Flowers III telling People Magazine it’s the “best office view in the world.
Flowers III was coming to the end of his flight school just as his father was nearing the end of his career, and it was that time when he stumbled across that old family photo and got him thinking of doing something special for his dad.
“It was a dream of mine to make this happen,” Flowers III says. “It was my number one goal to fly with my dad.”
He wasn’t sure whether or not he would complete his flight school before his father’s March 3rd retirement. But fate was on the young man’s side, and on March 3rd as part of a flight from Omaha to Chicago, Flowers II and III sat side by side, pilot and co-pilot, father and son, and snapped the last picture of his dad’s long career.
“I really enjoyed flying with my son,” Flowers Jr. told People. “It was truly a blessing for me. It was just awesome.”
After they landed in Chicago, Flowers III kept on going while his dad went to a retirement reception at the airport to celebrate a beautiful career and a beautiful legacy that continues flying after him.
The good news here is a father inspired his son to follow in his footsteps. Today’s JohnKu talks about leading by example. I hope you have a super weekend.
Mentorship by John W. Howell © 2023
It takes some hard work,
To provide an example . . .
That youth will follow.
Fiction Favorites 
The skies are a little friendlier thanks to this family business.
Great story Sheriff
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Thanks, Marc. I hope you have a super weekend.
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You as well Boss
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Thanks
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Fantastic, John. Thanks for insights on mentoring youth — our future.
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Thank you, Grant. 😁
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A heartwarming true story that brought tears of joy to my eyes. Thank you for sharing, John.
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I liked it too, Karen. I’m glad you did as well. Thanks for letting me know..
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What a lovely and loving story you have shared today. Thank you. Happy Friday!
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Thank you, Dale. So glad you liked it. 😁
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Indeed. 🙂
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😊
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Love the old picture re-enactments. They’re either sweet or ridiculously creepy.
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So true. I think this one is the former.
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This is so cool. Thanks for sharing, John.
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Gotta love the positive influence that these parents have had on their kids.
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This is outstanding, John.
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A super story for sure.
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This one made the news. It’s a wonderful story.
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It is. Thanks, Craig.
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Makes me think of my own Poppa! ❤
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Did the same for me. 😊
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What a beautiful and heart-warming story, John! Thank you so much for sharing this one, and starting my morning off with a huge grin on my face. Hope Jr. has an excellent retirement ahead, and III has an equally excellent career awaiting him!
Fri-Yay does it again! 😀 ❤
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Thank you, Marcia. I’m so glad you liked the story as much as I did. It is a heart warmer.
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Flowers stories are always a pleasant surprise. Good one John.
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Could be called a seedling story too.
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Love this. How special that his last flight was with his son as a co-pilot.
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I know, right?
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Such a touching story, John. How cool they were able to share last/first flight together.
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It is A great story. Thanks, Joan.
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Your JohnKu is the perfect accompaniment to this heartwarming story of father and son.
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Thank you, Liz. 😁
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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So cool that Ruben Flowers II & III were able to make II’s final flight together. Your Johnku says a lot about parenthood.. ❤
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Thank you, Tim. I felt the same way. 😁
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In case you were wondering, the airport is Midway (MDW). I saw this story the other day, and it gave me a big smile and a bit of a sniffle. Happy retirement to Captain Flowers and best of luck to First Officer Flowers!
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So heartwarming. Thanks, John. Being Southwest I figured it was Midway.
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The photo recreation is just the best! And your JohnKu is perfect.
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Thank you, Kymber
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What a great story! Thank you for sharing this, John. I loved your JohnKu.
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Thank you, Jill. A wonderful story for sure.
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I saw this on the news the other night and loved it. Still do. Thanks, John.
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What an awesome story! Following in dad’s footsteps and how wonderful they got to fly together. Thanks for sharing, John.
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I love this moment for them, and the flying passion continues.
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Inspiring, John❣️
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Wonderful story, John.
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Awwww … what a beautiful story!!! Thanks, John!
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Such a wonderful story!
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It is. 😊
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Aw, this was a hanky special!
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Thank you, Noelle.
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Love this, John!
The future is for the young.
The young will grow to build a solid future, if they are raised well.
This is a great example.
Congratulations to father and son!
Perfect JohnKu!
Thank you!
🐂🐂🐂🐂
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Thank you, Resa. I agree with you on being raised well. 🐂🐂🐂🐂
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OX 🐂🐂 OX
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OX 🐂🐂 OX 🐂
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🐂 OX 🐂🐂 OX 🐂
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🐂 OX 🐂🐂 OX 🐂 Another winner
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I’d say I’m on a roll, but I’m actually rolling… a joint… tonight!
Every once in awhile.
…. and John Wick 4 is free, finally!
I like drawing when those John Wick movies are on. Good music, and the plot is so thin, I don’t really have to watch.
So, movie/drawing night!
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Movie/Drawing/Joint night. YAY
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Yeah…yay! Haven’t been drinking wine because … ya know… trying to figure out what’s going on.
I kind of like it. 💋
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You go girl.
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💋
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❤️
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