I sat on the runway at the South Bend airport last Tuesday, on my way to see grandson Kaiden's first Christmas program at his preschool in New Jersey. I got to the airport at 4:30 am, prepared to fly at 6 am.
At 6:15 the pilot announced our delay was due to ice. By 6:30 they moved 3 large men from the front of the plane, one of them coming to occupy the seat next to me. I guess their combined weight at the front of the small plane was inhibiting our take off plans. By 6:45 they had de-iced the wings, and were still trying to push off from the gate. Moving the men didn't seem to help.
Finally, at 7:15 we had moved backward and was ready to fly. I fell asleep before the surge that took us into the sky, getting into Cincinnati at 8:15.
I don't usually mind delays in flight, but this time, there was not enough time between flights, but our delay caused me to miss my connecting flight in Cincinnati, so I was scrambling to get on a flight and get to Philly. After eating breakfast, provided by the Delta crew who felt so terrible that they had messed up my schedule, I dozed and read and talked on the phone until the next flight that would carry me to my desired destination.
It was the first time in about 7 years that I had flown with no children. I was thankful that I didn't have a toddler that needed to be kept happy until we could get back on our regularly scheduled program!
Britt picked me up in Philadelphia, just 4 1/2 hours past my first ETA, and we made the most of the daylight hours.
The highlight and reason for my trip was Kaiden's program on Wednesday morning, and the five minutes of video I was able to capture of his class singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. It was beautiful. Kids have such a wonderful way of making the holidays happy, and their little voices were a perfect holiday blessing. Plus, laughing so hard at some of their antics made my cheeks hurt!
We packed the car, got the house ready for Scott and Britt to be gone for a week, and headed out of Jersey at 4 pm. The fastest turn around trip ever!! We arrived in Michigan at 7:30 am on Thursday morning, after a blown out back tire that slowed our progress right at the end of our journey. Scott was able to change it, in spite of a jack that didn't work, and the freezing, blowing winter winds on the side of the road. I was so thankful that Britt and I were not driving home alone like we had originally planned! I am grateful for God's protection!
The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity. Kaid had missed his own Christmas party at his school, but was able to join me for Tom and Mere's kindergarten party yesterday. Keegan wanted to go too, so what fun for me to get pictures of the oldest grandson's enjoying crafting and playing at school with their aunt Mere and Uncle Tom!
Now we are looking forward to Jenni and Jeremy flying in tomorrow night, making it the first Christmas in the last few years that we have all been together for the holidays. My mom-heart is full and overflowing.
We pared down alot of things this year, trying to focus on the important things of the season. Family time, volunteer opportunities and what we can do for others. It's been a growing season, and we are so blessed.
Jesus came as a baby to make our lives complete. He gave his life to save me, redeem me and He calls me His own. I hope all of you can sense the importance of this holiday time, and have a wonderful season full of blessings and joy.
I know I am blessed. Thank you, Jesus. Happy Birthday!
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