Leaving Abilene, is always so hard. When we are "home", it feels as though we are back from vacation, to stay. You would think that after almost 18 months it would feel normal to come back to Charleston, but it doesn't. Let me break down the day for ya.
We spent the morning weighing bags, moving stuff around, and making sure we got everything packed.
My brother and mom took us to DFW, and don't worry this time we made sure to get there in plenty of time.
We checked in, said our goodbyes, and were on our way thru the metal detector.
Get ready for the fun part.
Initially, I had planned on checking MP's suitcase, but because of weight of others bags and so on, I decided I would suck it up and drag another bag.
It went thru the metal detector and agents swarmed around it. As if I wasn't already stressed and sweating profusely, I started getting pretty dizzy.
A million things started going thru my head. I couldn't imagine what was wrong. I then remembered what was in that bag. Well, let's see, all the girls shower stuff, no big deal. Then I remembered there was a box of ammo, spent, but still. I was pretty sure I was going to jail and going to be making national news.
I immediately ran over and apologized with tears in my voice, and they reassured me it was ok, but that they were taking the liquids. What?!?!?
Closet call in my life!
We were on our way to the gate, keep in mind I had 2 children having minor breakdowns. MP was devastated she couldn't stay in Abilene, and HG was just a little out of a routine. We got there plenty early, in order for me to find something for us to eat before we boarded our flight. We walked 19 gates down to find ours, and of course, no food. We walked 19 gates back down and alas, Chili's!!! Don't forget, I am carrying a 32lb. child, pulling a suitcase behind me, carrying a backpack, and a ridiculously large purse.
We sat down and by this time MP was starting to lose it and I couldn't do anything to make the situation better. My heart was breaking for her, and I was feeling pretty hopeless. Our server brought us our drinks and we ordered our food. I will say, that food took longer than any food I have ever waited on. I am very observant when it comes to restaurants, go figure. I always look around at people, am noisy and listen to them complain, etc. I noticed a man sitting by himself the minute we walked in. I have always hated to see people eating by themselves, breaks my heart. Anyway, I noticed this man was in the AF and had clearly just come back from a deployment. I caught him looking at us several times, and was pretty embarrassed because I was sure it was because MP was crying so loudly. The man paid, and started to walk toward our table, I could only imagine what was about to happen. He looked at me and said, "Ma'am, you're dinner is on me tonight. Merry Christmas and Happy NY." I cannot even begin to tell you the emotions that flooded my body. He handed me a gift card and turned around and walked away. I immediately started crying and really couldn't pull it together. I was the one who should have been buying his meal. I handed our server the gift card and told him the story, explaining I had no idea what was on the card. He returned to the table and said, "You are never gonna believe this, but there is $50 on that card."
I will never forget that moment in my life. I needed something good in that moment, but never expected it to come in that form.
The 3 delays, hot airplane, and late arrival mean't absolutely nothing because of the kindness of a complete stranger.
What a way to end the year!!
