Too soon... it was time to leave.
I knew it would be difficult for KC when we had to leave, but it was Tiffany's tears that made my heart ache.
It seemed like only a week ago that we had arrived, but almost a month had sped by.
We were sure that we hadn't signed up for Economy Plus, but that's where our seats were and the leg room was truly ample!
Instead of buying food at one of the airport kiosks we opted to just buy a meal onboard the plane.
We were very pleasantly surprised to find that it was quite good.
The flight this time was just short of 9 long hours, but finally... there was Oahu! We thought it was raining because of the cloudy haze. Unfortunately, it was stifling vog from the volcano.
Mom was happy to see us. She had made Art's favorite nishime for dinner and there was a watermelon cooling in the refrigerator.
The following day we went to the market to get another watermelon that happened to be on sale.
Redbox had The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel available. Yahoo! Finally!
As we were waiting at the checkout, I was talking to KC on the cellphone. I felt badly thinking I might be disturbing others in line.
A smiling lady behind us had folded these two origami cranes. Perhaps she had heard my conversation with KC. Perhaps she just wanted to do something nice. She offered the cranes to me and said, "This is for your safe travels."
I'd been feeling sad about leaving our old home in Illinois.
But I'm also feeling happy to be back home in Hawaii.
I knew it would be difficult for KC when we had to leave, but it was Tiffany's tears that made my heart ache.
It seemed like only a week ago that we had arrived, but almost a month had sped by.
We were sure that we hadn't signed up for Economy Plus, but that's where our seats were and the leg room was truly ample!
Instead of buying food at one of the airport kiosks we opted to just buy a meal onboard the plane.
We were very pleasantly surprised to find that it was quite good.
The flight this time was just short of 9 long hours, but finally... there was Oahu! We thought it was raining because of the cloudy haze. Unfortunately, it was stifling vog from the volcano.
Mom was happy to see us. She had made Art's favorite nishime for dinner and there was a watermelon cooling in the refrigerator.
Redbox had The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel available. Yahoo! Finally!
As we were waiting at the checkout, I was talking to KC on the cellphone. I felt badly thinking I might be disturbing others in line.
A smiling lady behind us had folded these two origami cranes. Perhaps she had heard my conversation with KC. Perhaps she just wanted to do something nice. She offered the cranes to me and said, "This is for your safe travels."
I'd been feeling sad about leaving our old home in Illinois.
But I'm also feeling happy to be back home in Hawaii.
It's always so hard leaving your loved ones. If only one could snap one's fingers to get from one place to another.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice lady to give you the good luck cranes.
I am sad and happy for you. It would be very difficult for me to be so far from my children.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Grannie annie, happy sad, thank goodness for skype and the phone!
ReplyDeleteI hate goodbyes! But you're right, you have to move on!
ReplyDeleteI remember being sad when my parents would leave after a visit. But we made so many memories that my kids still have today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gesture from the woman in line.
How sad to say goodbye, always. But to be welcomed home is always lovely. I hope you enjoyed the movie as much as I did! :-)
ReplyDeleteI really did, DJan! It was absolutely wonderful!!! Art enjoyed it too.
Deleteglad your home safely AGAIN...there will be other visits!
ReplyDeleteThose departures are very hard, but you are so fortunate to have been able to make the visit and take home some wonderful memories. I am sure your mom must have been very glad to have you back.
ReplyDeleteI still want to see that movie...thanks for reminding me to look for it.
Those partings are so hard!
ReplyDeleteI remember flying from OHare to Honolulu, it was 9 1/2 hours and the only food offered was a turkey sandwich, on the stale side. We were warned to buy them when offered, because there were not enough on the plane for everyone, and at a cost of $25 for two! Glad your food service was better.
Happy to hear that you are settling in back in Hawaii,
blessings,
Niki
$25.00 for two? Wow! I can't quite remember what ours cost, but I'm sure it wasn't that expensive. We flew United this time.
DeleteWould you believe Art had recorded the cost in his journal?
DeleteAsian Noodle was $5.49
Chix Spinach Salad $9.49
Total cost $14.98 (no tax)
I feel like I live in two worlds, also, with family in Seattle but a life here in Hawaii that I would never leave.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that air travel is easier than it was for a while, but maybe it's because I've adapted to it.
May the cranes give you peace and happiness in your heart.
ReplyDeleteOf all your posts, this one hits me straight in the heart strings...
ReplyDeleteL...w
It's always so hard to leave... sigh...
DeleteYour heart lives in two places. That's hard. In choosing your mother, you had to make a hard sacrifice. Thankfully you have so many ways to stay connected with your children and grandchild.
ReplyDeleteWe made three trips to Colorado each year, which was a lot closer than you are from Illinois, but make those trips as often as you can. You will never regret it.
I understand the sadness of leaving children. I also can only imagine how happy your mother was to see you again. It is so hard to live with a foot in two worlds. You seem to have a heart that lives in Chicago and Hawaii. That is hard! I am so glad the lady in line gave you these cranes. They are symbols of find peace where you are. Sending hugs...
ReplyDeleteGoodbyes are always bitter-sweet. The cranes given to you was another sweet and loving touch to this story. Thanks for sharing it Kay.
ReplyDelete