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When asked what her last wish was, Leslie Horner, 82, said she just wanted to ride in a helicopter.

"I asked to do it just because I wanted to go up in the air," she said. "I’ve been in a plane and loved it and that made me want to do whatever else had to do with going up in the air. But I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d ever get to go up in a helicopter."

Although the assisted living facility where Horner stays didn’t have the resources to make the wish come true, Pat Estes, activities director for Kendallwood Retirement Apartments in Kansas City North, said she did some research and a little bit of luck and divine intervention did the trick.

"She has dreamed of riding in a helicopter ever since she flew in her first airplane," she said. "I did some research and just by the grace of god, Hawkeye Helicopter Co. agreed to give her a free helicopter ride so her wish could come true. God just moves in mysterious ways, he just always opens doors and a door opened up for us at Kendallwood this time."

On July 17, JD Scott, owner of Hawkeye Helicopters, took Horner up in his helicopter at the Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport for a 30 minute tour of Kansas City and Horner said it was everything she expected it to be.

"It’s something you can’t really describe to anyone else," she said. "Now I’m ready to meet my Lord."

As for any more airborne adventures, Horner said she’s satisfied having finally had her helicopter ride.

"Now, every morning I can look out at the sky and say I’ve been up there," she said.

Staff writer Michael Westblade can be reached at 389-6636 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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