JOY ON THE JOURNEY: The Helicopter Ride: Love-n-Money

Every year, Walter took his wife, Ethel, to the state fair. And every year, Walter would stop beside the helicopter rides and say: “Ethel, you know, I'd sure love to take a ride in that helicopter.”

And every year, Ethel would give him the same answer. “Walter, that helicopter ride costs fifty dollars. And fifty dollars is fifty dollars!” One year, as they were strolling through the fairgrounds, Walter stopped and gazed longingly at the helicopter.

“Ethel,” he said, “I'm 87 years old now. If I don't take that helicopter ride this year, I might never get another chance.”

Ethel folded her arms. “Walter, you know that ride costs fifty dollars. And fifty dollars is fifty dollars!” This time, the helicopter pilot happened to overhear their conversation.

“Tell you what, folks,” he said. “I'll make you a deal. I'll take both of you up for a ride, absolutely free, provided neither one of you says a single word during the flight. But if either of you makes so much as a peep, it'll cost you fifty dollars.” Walter and Ethel looked at each other and agreed. Up they went! The pilot decided to give them the ride of their lives. He climbed straight up, plunged toward the ground, banked sharply, and performed every hair-raising maneuver he could think of. Not a sound came from the back seat. Determined to get a reaction, he tried even more daring stunts, twisting, turning, and swooping through the sky. Still, not a word.

Finally, the pilot landed the helicopter, shut down the engine, and turned toward Walter.

“Well, sir, I've got to hand it to you! I've been flying this helicopter for years, and I've never had passengers stay that quiet. I did everything I could think of to make you holler, but you never made a sound!”

Walter shook his head. “Well, to tell you the truth, I almost said something when Ethel fell out...” He paused. “But you know, fifty dollars is fifty dollars!”