I am the only child in my family of origin that never learned how to fly a plane.

Both my brothers are pilots, as is my dad.

At one point in time, I half thought about taking flying lessons, but could just never wrap my mind around going solo.

I do, however, enjoy being airborne, and maybe it is in my genetic makeup along with the mystery behind Amelia Earhart’s disappearance that has me intrigued with the latest news of what may have happened to the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Admittedly, I have never really delved too deeply into Earhart’s life even though I have always thought her looks resembled Mom, who ironically hates to fly, but like many have been curious about her disappearance.

So this week’s newest discovering has me intrigued.

On Wednesday, news stations reported that Earhart may have not died in her attempt to be the first female pilot to fly around the world.

A newly discovered photograph reveals that the Japanese may have captured Earhart and her flight navigator, Fred Noonan, when the aircraft went down.

Because I am riveted by this newly discovered information, I cannot wait to watch the two-hour special that is scheduled for Sunday night on the History channel.

On some level, it seems reasonable for us to celebrate the fact Earhart and her cohort may have survived the plane crash, but then when you think about the alternatives, maybe not.

Unfortunately, there were also images that pictured what could have been the jail where the Japanese may have held Earhart and Noonan captive.

It is sad to think that a woman who had sought solace in the freedom of the skies may have been trapped on an island and confined to a jail.

My imagination goes crazy thinking about the cruelties that may have befallen the pair during a time when the U.S. and Japan were enemies.

However, I am hoping that the special on Sunday will clear up and stamp out any negative images swirling around in my mind.

Before this new information was discovered, there was at least a bit of serendipity in thinking that Earhart had died doing something she loved.

Historical mysteries are always captivating and the older I have gotten, the more fascinated I have become with history in general.

I do not read the hard-core stuff, but I have found it extremely enjoyable to immerse myself into historical fiction, which has propelled me into delving deeper into the past. Many times thanks to Google.

Therefore, now that I have developed this thirst for learning about the past, this Sunday I have planned a date with the television.

And more than likely, there will be plenty of questions left unanswered about what happened to Amelia Earhart that will allow some creative writer to pen a novel that melds together fact and fiction.

Hmmmmmm………..