I hate airports when I'm the see-er off. I love airports when I'm the one venturing out, to another destination, a change of time zone, a different city. But I hate being the one left behind to say goodbye and pathetically waving from a distance as I see people walking off toward their gates. I also hate long goodbyes. Most of the time, when I drive people to the airport, I do the least by dropping them off at the curbside check-in to their airline, kiss, hug, wave good-bye, then zoom off without hesitation.
So this morning, I was the see-er off and it was a not so short goodbey. Dino needed some help to check in because Dylan was around. So we had to park and walk. Fortunately, there was no crowd. Found a parking spot close enough with still an hour left on the meter. Check-in was fast as was making our way to the gate. Hapless and unable to go beyond the gate entry point, I waited and watched as Dino remove his watch, phone, spare change and dump it into a tray, and the old security guy telling him to remove the laptop from his hand carry bag, remove it from its sleeve and dump that into another tray, and remove the child from his stroller and walk him through the metal detector. After which he proceded to pick up his loose stuff, and re-pack his laptop into his over-stuffed bag full of toddler jackets, hats, mittens, raisins, apple juice boxes, apple pies, sandwiches and two baby bottles full of milk; don't forget the diapers and baby wipes. Travelling with child is somewhat a challenge, especially when you're a lone adult. But at least a concession - a choice seat near the front, if not up front, and getting on the plane first without lining up with everyone else.
I know I'll be on my phone to New Jersey at least 5 times a day for the next two weeks. I miss them already.
9:32 AM | |
