And for my first adventure,
Can you name where this photo comes from?
I know this happens to many people at the airport for several reasons just like Kevin McCalister's family from Home Alone, but this was my family the day I left Michigan. Except go ahead and add a wheelchair to that.
That morning, my family all gathered around me and prayed over me. Yes, there were a lot of tears. I had been so afraid of that day's arrival. My sister prayed St. Patrick's prayer over me. Read it below. It's words are powerful and moving. My father had arranged for a special pickup. My parents and I rode in style to the airport in a limo. I felt completely spoiled and I loved it! I drank my water out of a champagne glass and my mom laughed at me as I proceeded to touch and push every button, drawer, glass, window in the vehicle. This is how I'm accustomed to living; curious. I don't believe in any other way.
Ignorance is bliss. It is a lovely, peaceful place. While we were enjoying our luxury ride to the airport, our plane was already boarding.
Yes, we discovered that at check in. Our times were goofed and all our arrangements had been set for our arrival time. The manager, who I believe took on all of our stress for us, managed to get us on a direct flight, but it was already boarding! Time for our morning workout.
There are some advantages to having a wheelchair in your company. We got a fastpass to the beginning of the line at security. That was the end of the advantages though.
They looked at my dad and told him he would have to walk through security and probably get some sort of full overhaul check. Don't panic! Sure, he can't walk and yeah, taking off his shoes and brace, no big deal. And what time does that clock say?
And then, here comes the man in charge of security. And in fact, I know him from Lifetime Fitness! He graciously tells me he'll take care of us and because of it, it was another fast-pass through handicap security. I look forward to seeing him in a year to tell him how grateful I am.
I put all of our stuff back together, but have no idea how to get my dad's shoe/brace back on, so I tell him, "Hold this and hold on!"
Now for the mad dash to the gate! A27. It could be worse, oh that's right. I have a chair to push, my backpack/ukulele and I can't use the conveyor belt walkers. There they were eyeing us at A27 because we had all the tell tale signs of people making HUGE mistakes at the airport. Sweat dripping, panic stricken faces, people being pushed aside, yelling "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" No, that didn't really happen, but they still could tell. Unfortunately I left my mom in the dust somewhere, dropped my dad off with some stranger and went to run and get the boarding passes which were NOT with me of course.
And then there is of course getting onto a plane with my dad who can't walk. How did we intend to do this anyway?
Well, first of all:
*Apologize, A LOT while looking guilty. That does wonders.
*Make friends with first class as you desperately try to help a man out who can barely walk. Ask them how their day is going. I got some smiles, but only some.
*Compliment babies and how cute and tiny they are. Parents love this.
*Tell your mom who is saying the whole way, "We can't do this!" "No mom! We got this, yeah!
*Don't make dad try to sit next to the window – aisle for goodness sake!
*Let everyone help you with your carry ons. You are already out of breath, sweating and if you don't have a good sense of humor, you are probably embarrassed. Poor momma.
*Tell those around you your great story. They'll think you're crazy, but be glad they aren't as nutty as you. It'll make 'em feel good.
In the end, I got to sit next to my parents instead of far away. I got to sleep in to 6 am instead of 4 am. I got to spend more time with my dear family and be loved by them for just a bit longer.
And then the best part: this adventure was an answer to prayer. Yes, true story.
Be careful what you pray for folks!
I kept praying and asking people to pray my last week that I could live a great story. And I must say, this is a much better story than if it was easy.
I've been thinking for awhile now that I feel like I'm living a story out that's already been written. And it goes for that crazy airport morning too. I some how knew it was already written and I was dying to read the end. Will she make it to the plane on time? Will she pass out before she gets there? Will her poor mother get lost carrying all the important documents behind? Will they completely frustrate dozens of people along the way or will they figure out ways to love on their grace and mercy as well?
Will she really follow through and go on this crazy trip of a lifetime?
God's been writing my story since the day I was born back in Southfield, Michigan. But for the first time in my life, I've been paying attention to the author.
And now I'm excited for the adventure on the next page that I turn.
St. Patrick's prayer, "Breastplate"
I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In the obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In the predictions of prophets, In the preaching of apostles, In the faith of confessors, In the innocence of holy virgins, In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through The strength of heaven, The light of the sun, The radiance of the moon, The splendor of fire, The speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea, The stability of the earth, The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me From snares of devils, From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near.
I summon today All these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul; Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
My traveling pillow case. Thanks, sister<3
