Many years ago, my youngest daughter and I were shopping peacefully when we were interrupted by a young man wearing what looked like a clown suit.

“I see you have Liquorice All Sorts in your trolley,” he said. I told him I do not often buy Liquorice All Sorts, trying to limit sweets as much as possible, though this was a favourite in my family, but that day was an exception because we were celebrating something. I cannot remember now what we were celebrating. Then the young guy gave us a ticket and said:

“Well, besides your celebration, it was a good day to buy Liquorice All Sorts. If you hurry over to the school’s playfield across the street, you can present the ticket and have a free helicopter flip over the city, complements of Liquorice All Sorts”. It was only then that I noticed his costume looked like an All Sorts kebab.

My daughter pushed our trolley into a corner and we hurried out of the shop just as the helicopter was landing to take up the next group of All Sorts fans. We duck to avoid the blades and climbed aboard. I was scared stiff as I fastened my seat belt but my daughter smiled as if she was flying every day. The chopper lifted off the ground, turned three-sixty degrees, yawed, banked and then went up high above the city. I started praying before we left contact with solid ground, clawing my seat as if I could keep us in the air by holding on to it.

Next thing I knew, it was like I could feel, tangibly, the hand of God holding the chopper and guiding it over the rooftops. At this I unwound, pressed my head against the window to get the best view of the city. Calm and relaxed I enjoyed the trip immensely. What an experience it was for someone who had not flown in any kind of aircraft in years, knowing that wherever I went, God is with me and He protects me always and everywhere.

After we stepped out of the helicopter, my daughter and I went back to the shop to resume our shopping, loaded two extra packets of All Sorts and ate one on our way back home. I hope my daughter has the same fond memories of that day as I have.

When my nerves try to get the better of me with this coming trip to Abu Dhabi, I just think back on that day in the heli and I calm down right away. God’s hand is there, ready to take the airplane in His hand and bring us to Abu Dhabi and back safely. His Name be praised.