Small bites

JOY

My week started out with a 5am flight to start my vacation. I had 3 different planes to catch this day and all I could think about was my 45 minute layover where my family had driven to the airport to see me before I caught my next plane.

The first flight went well and the first layover offered a promise. Stay and take a later flight, we'll pay you some money for your time, and you'll get a longer layover with your folks. I agreed immediately. A four hour layover for an additional twenty minutes with my family was a steal of a deal. The second flight was delayed due to bad weather. I began to get worried that I wouldn't get to see my family at all, because I'd have to sprint to catch my next flight. We set down late and all connecting flights were delayed. I was in luck! I still got my 45 minutes.

They brought me some brisket and sat with me while I stuffed my face, just grateful for the time I got to share with them. They'd been waiting 2 hours for me to get there. We knew it was going to be short, but there wasn't any tears because it was more than we would have gotten otherwise. We said our goodbyes, I went through security a second time to go back to my flight. I looked up to confirm my gate and CANCELLED flashed in big red letters next to my flight number! This means more time. I called my folks, screamed at them to "WAIT!" and "Don't leave the airport!"

I track down an agent and ask what the deal is. All flights are cancelled due to bad weather. I can't get on a flight until 6pm tomorrow. YAY!!! She tried to set me up with hotel reservations and with the biggest smile on my face I said, "No thanks. I've got family here."

I ran outside to the car, where my family was waiting, threw my suitcase in the trunk and climbed in the back seat. "I'm spending the night!" We get 24 hours together. I've won the lottery as far as I'm concerned.

A week later and I'm still overjoyed by the way that day turned out. Never in my wildest dreams or hopes had I even thought that a whole 24 hours was possible. I had only asked for 20 extra minutes. I hadn't dared to hope for more.

It was truly a charmed trip. A "regular safari" to be sure but it was an adventure.