PART 1: LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS
Well, it's been a month of suprises. It started February 2nd at the airport in San Francisco when a United employee approached me at the gate. My first thoughts were, "What have I done now?" Actually, what I'd done was fly a lot of miles with United. She came to congratulate me, since today's flight made me a member of the million mile flyer's club. Stunned, then secretly hoped it would mean an upgrade from the back of the plane. But, not so. Instead, she handed me a little mesh bag, which I tucked away, not wanting to open it in front of all those waiting to board. Turns out it was a packet of sticky notes, a United pen and a post card congratulating me on my status. What more could one wish for?
Now, Michael, the pusher of my wheelchair, also seemed stunned and happy for me. Yes, recently, I often ask for a wheelchair to haul me to the gates. Well, Michael was even more impressed when the pilots (there were two) came out and wanted their picture taken with me. The older pilot bent down and said that he was sorry they couldn't upgrade me to first class. All seats were taken. I appreciated the gesture. Then, I invited Michael to be part of the photo. Why not?! He put on some miles for my sake.
We all smiled and then the crew headed down the ramp to the plane. While we waited to board, Michael and I chatted. He wanted to know how long I'd been flying. I confessed I was 84, which didn't seem to surprise him. Then I told him my first flights were on Piedmont airlines then Eastern Airlines. Both out of business, which should give United pause. Then he grinned, took one long look at me and asked, "So you started flying with the Wright brothers? I crossed my fingers and told him, we were old friends.
Because of my new found status (and the wheelchair), I was the first to board. The crew welcomed and congratulated me, then handed me a packet of handi-wipes. I asked if I could have two, since I was a million miler. She laughed, then handed me several and a plastic pin, airplane wings like you give kids on their first flight. What more could one wish for?
During the flight the pilot announced there was a special person on board. Me! He told them my name, aisle and seat number and that I'd flown 1,000,000 miles with United. No one clapped, but one man across the aisle from me nodded approval. Most kept reading, watching their screens or sleeping. So much for fame. It's even more fleeting than I imagined. The flight attendant did offer to bring me champagne but I didn't think it went well with the peanut butter crackers I brought from home. Later they brought a card with kind words and signatures from all the crew and a snack box. So thoughtful.
So, why turn this into a blog. I'm not sure, except that life has its perks now and then, if we just keep at it. Perks like a good laugh with Michael over flying with the Wright brothers. And the gift of remembering how I got most of those miles. Which brings me back to Jud. He was so careful about spending Gordon College money that he went for the cheapest airfare. And it wasn't always United or I'd be a 2 million miler. And it sometimes meant flying earlier in the morning than I wished to rise and shine. But it still had its perks. Sitting beside each other, holding hands for hours. (Unless on our computers or reading.)
Well, in my next blog I'll tell you about LIFE'S DOWNS. But for now, here are my tips to myself and anyone else who needs a nudge:
1. Look up and around. Life is happening.
2.Don't be too proud to accept help along the way.
3.Or too preoccupied to offer it to someone else.
4.Stay hopeful. Perks happen.
5.Be grateful to those who make the journey possible. (Thanks United Airlines for your part!)
6.Take along something to read and nibble on.
Like Anne Lamott wrote, ""The road to enlightenment is long and difficult, and you should try not to forget snacks and magazines." I prefer peanut butter crackers. And an aisle seat, when possible.
7. And remember,"Every contact you make with everyone you meet will help them or hinder them on their journey to heaven." (C.S.Lewis)
Journey on, dear friends and family. We're in this together. And together is a big perk, one of life's ups.
22 Comments
You make me laugh! What a trip!
Well,laughter is one of the best perks in life, dear Kaye. It oils the rusty hinges. and I've got more than a few. The older I get the more I need the oil of gladness, a good laugh and times of utter hilarity.
This fellow 84-yr-old lives vicariously through your perks, though I still have them too. In a little more than a week I fly to hear my son-in-law’s world premiere concert as composer of a trumpet concerto played by the Austin Symphony. Congratulations to you! And hopes for me that I get a decent airline flight with wings de-iced and all. You give me confidence! Thanks!
Well, I'm all for vicarious living, dear Radina, especiallh when it comes to working out at a gym.. Congratulations to your son-in-law for composing a trumpet concerto. As a former trumpet player I'm awed by such a gift. And I pray for a safe, smooth flight for you. Bring along a snack or two. And enjoy the journey coming and going and especially while in Austin.
Oh dear Jan, I loved everything about this post. The fact that you’ve flown 1 million air miles on one airline is a really big deal, although since they didn’t upgrade you to first class this time, I hope they do next! And I am all about snack boxes. People often ask me why I started doing polar plunges in February to raise money for our local environmental organization
Well, I have found people will pay good money to see a woman in her 70s jump into icy water wearing heels and a hat, plus a costume of course. But more importantly, they were offering free barbecue afterwards. Truth.
Well, my Norwegian sister, you're obviously more fit and a lot younger than I, as well as a bigger risk taker. But as much as I love barbecue, it'd take more than that to get me to take a polar plunge. Well, I know I just shamed my Norwegian ancestors, Maggie. Ok. Maybe if they threw in French fries, sweet tea, and a slice of pecan pie I'd lunge and plunge. .But don't hold me to it.
So, who was the better conversationalist, Wilbur or Orville?
;-)
Both lifted my spirits. As do you, dear David, whenever I see your name shows up.
Love this, Jan! Thank you for sharing. Much ♥️
Yay! I love hearing from you, dear Rita. From the weather reports it looks like Virginia has experienced weather more like New England. Hope you're doing well. I think of you often, but especially when an ad pops up for Garrett Popcorn. One of these days I'll order a tin. That cheese and caramel mix is so good. I first sampled it at your Gordon farewell party. It's worth flying through Chicago, just to catch a whiff of it, which I haven't done for awhile.
Wow! So happy to learn this amazing conquest of yours, Jan! And I agree with your friend who said that they should give you a first class upgrade on your next flight with them! That is the least they can do. You soar with the best of them and I wish many more happy miles be added to your roster. Congratulations! <3
Thanks, dear Jeri. We'll see if your good wishes and others bring about an upgrade. Either way, as I see familiar names show up in response to this blog post, I'm reminded how time flies. And I'm aware that one of God' great gifts and life's perks has been to be part of the Gordon community for almost fifty years. It nudges me to be so grateful and to make the most of the moments. Hugs to you and Ron.
Jan, you are awesome!
And so is GOD!
I soooo enjoy your 'messages' as they are so REAL. They challenge me, uplift me and touch me with God's presence.
I also laugh, a lot!
Thanks, and God bless you abundantly
You made me so happy, dear Lillian, when I read something I wrote made you laugh. But even more that you sense God's presence in something written heart to heart. JOY is a mark of God's Spirit. And I think God loves to laugh. For sure, I give Him plenty of reasons to laugh or cry. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this blog and to respond. For sure, once I write and you read PART II of Life's Ups and Downs you'll see what I mean.
What fun, Jan! 1,000,000 miles is a big deal. Maybe you'll fly first class next time. Love to you!
Thanks, dear Mrage. Great to hear from you. Actually, I'm so happy when the middle seat is free. Feels almost like first class. And best of all is a safe, smooth take-off, flight and landing. I miss my favorite flying companion but so grateful for all the miles we flew and rode together over our 51 plus years together.
Congratulations, Jan! How cool is that!?! I love these glimpses into your life and the chuckles you bring along the way! Hugs on this Valentines Day.❤️
And hugs to you and Bob, too, dear Sue. You know what it takes to be one of the crew and how challenging some of us can be to keep "happy." If only all we needed was a pair of plastic wings and a packet of hand sanitizer to make us grateful!
You’re the best Thanks for the laughs and wise words. I just read it out loud to Steve and we chuckled and agreed you’re a great writer. Since God said “Out of the overflow of the heart the pen writes” (my paraphrase ☺️) it confirms you have a beautiful heart. But we already knew that! ❤️
WOW! Thanks, dear Wendy. Happy to add some laughter to you and Steve. At night I pray for God to guard my heart, since what's inside has a way of coming out. And, for sure, not all bears repeating or putting pen to paper. Lord, have mercy.
What a nice post. Congrats on your famed flight!
Perhaps we flew over your town in Utah. For sure, it was a fun flight. I'll be thinking of you and Andrew when I speak in chapel this Friday. It will be good to be back at the place Jud and I loved to call "home."