"A pocket-full of patience"

After sharing a cup of Starbucks coffee and saying good-bye to my sister, Lezlie, at FAT (Fresno Air Terminal) in Fresno, California, I made my way toward security.  Along with everyone else, I started removing my jacket and shoes to place in the gray bin.  Relieved to survive my rite of passage, I headed down the long walkway to my assigned gate.

However, upon arrival at my gate, I became suspicious.  There was no signage indicating my flight number, departure time, or destination city.  Hum, should I be concerned?  Being uncharacteristically early, I decided it was premature for worry and that, in time, the electronics would kick in and all would be well.  For now, I’d just center down amidst the gaggle of other passengers and recall the wonderful time I’d had going home for the holidays.

However, as you may know from your own travel experiences, things don’t always go peachy at airports.  In fact, packing a pocket-full of patience along with food and water in your carry-on is paramount.  Stuffing in a sense of humor too can also be fruitful.

 By now, a crowd had gathered with people intermittently glancing at the still empty information board.  No flight attendants, pilots, or other officials were to be seen.  It was time to get answers.  That’s when I fished out my cell phone from my handbag, dug up my itinerary, and called the 800 number for the airlines. A couple of ladies standing around me were smiling and nodding while giving me thumbs up.  One of them, Theresa, who was also going to Newark, became my new best friend.

I learned from customer service that our flight was delayed due to high winds in Las Vegas.  Humph.  Not good.  At least I wasn’t stuck in Denver trying to get home for Christmas like my sister had been.  She didn’t make it home until Christmas night!

Thus began many trips over the course of the next few hours for supplies.  I made one trip downstairs for a bottle of water.  Another trip was upstairs for milk to go with the half of peanut butter sandwich my niece, Merri Elizabeth, made.  Then, back downstairs for a toothbrush and tooth paste.  Must be prepared.  My sister suggested getting a book.  I had my journal but decided she’s right.  I might need a good book for distraction!  That meant a trip back upstairs.  Since I’d already eaten the persimmon cookies mom tucked in, I’d need more snacks.  By the time it was all said and done, I’d worn myself out with travel and I hadn’t gone anywhere except to the concession stands!

  Finally, the information board lit up.  Flight attendants and pilots appeared.  And, an announcement was made that we’d be boarding shortly. 

My concern now was making the connecting flight in Las Vegas to Newark.  Earlier, when I was on the phone with the airlines associate, she assured me our since no planes were taking off or landing due to the high winds, our plane would wait for us.  It didn’t. 

            The next plane to Newark wasn’t until midnight … seven hours away.

Now just where did I pack that pocket-full of patience? 

Until next time…Jennifer