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We said our goodbyes to my sweet sister, Kim, and her family yesterday and headed out for the Baltimore airport, which was a three-hour drive. It was hard to say goodbye, but we had a great time, enjoyed every minute of our trip and were ready to come home. As we drove away, Sierra said, “I don’t know what to feel, someone tell me how I should feel.” There was desperation in her voice, so I asked her what she meant. “I’m so sad to leave, but I’m excited to get home and then I’m a little nervous about the plane ride.” We talked about our visit and the importance of heading home. She understood and settled in.

We stopped somewhere in Delaware and had lunch before getting to the airport. We checked our bags, made it through security and sat down by the gate. I’m always relieved at this point, just to be ready and on time. We boarded the plane and the kids made their usual rotations. They team up with a partner and a parent. Whoever sat by the window on the way switches on the way home. They also switch parents, so they have the other parent on the way back.  I sat in the middle of Sierra and Buck for this flight, grateful that Colton would not be mashing the tops of my feet all flight long.  Sierra had the window seat, I was in the middle and Buck on the isle. They both wanted to hold my hand.

Knowing Sierra’s mild sensitivity to flying, I took great care to rattle her cage during take-off, knowing exactly what the parameters were so as not to make her cry. She squeezed my hand tightly as the plane raced down the runway and closed her eyes as we left the ground. Hearing the wheels retract into the plane, I said, “Oh, no. That’s not a good noise.” She froze, somewhere between fear and panic. I looked out the window and said, “There must be a problem. We are banking hard to the left and that’s never supposed to happen.” This time she broke and I decided to smile and give her a kiss. She didn’t think it was nearly as funny as I did. Actually, it brought back terrific memories of all my flights during college.  Our team flew all over the country and we were constantly on and off of planes. My roommate always sat next to me and she hated to fly. I loved it and, being the tease that I am, so enjoyed making her squirm on every flight.

The flight was smooth and I managed to read an entire book. One of Audra's favorite authors, Lois Lowry, had written a book called The Silent Boy. Audra asked me to read it and I've carried it around for a while before finally breaking it open. It was the perfect length and I managed to finish it well before the flight concluded. It was a sad book, but well written and enjoyable. The plane landed and we gathered our luggage before finding our friend Keith, who came to pick us up.

We stopped for a nice dinner before heading home to shower and crash. I was exhausted and so happy to sleep in my own bed. We all woke early and today are easing into our routine, picking up our animals and washing clothes. I've gotten all the suitcases unpacked and half of the laundry folded. The time change is still playing games with me and I'm sure it will be an early night tonight.

Thanks for all the prayers while we were away. We had a great trip and lots of safe travels. We saw so many amazing things on our journey and enjoyed special time with far-away family. Today, it's good to be home!

Comments

[KC]

CC and I share the same "sensitivity" to flying. God bless her. Glad you all are home safe and had a good trip.