A Haven Found in Holden Beach



A beautiful house on the beach – in a quaint little town – each bedroom leading to either the 1^st or 2^nd floor porch with rocking chairs. 



As I stood in my bedroom – with its King-sized bed – private bath with a multi-head shower – I could see the sun shining through the window and door leading out to the porch.  I stepped outside – felt the warmth of the sun on my face and looked down at the walkway from the house leading over the dunes to the beach.  I heard the waves playing their constant melody – calling me to relax and totally enjoy this moment.  A moment in time given to me as a gift from my children & grandchildren for my 60^th Birthday.  I am truly blessed.



For the next week, I was able to spend uninterrupted time with Krista, Peter & Sarah – and of course my 3 grandchildren, Justin, Jonathan (otherwise known as Pook) and sweet Emma. 

The kids were on a camping trip & visit with their grandparents in South Carolina just prior to this vacation.  Emma unfortunately had an accident and arrived in Holden Beach with a hot pink cast on her little, chubby leg.  But before long – we realized we were more upset than she was – as she learned to hobble around – crawl – climb – run a bit – and even dance – with her pink cast and boot. 

On our first day we distracted her when the boys headed to the beach – taking her on errands and playing with her indoors and on the porch – but it wasn’t long before she was asking about her bathing suit and we realized she needed some way to enjoy the beach as well.  Sarah researched the web – found other parents' solutions to children in casts during the summer – and later Peter headed out and came back with Press ‘n Seal plastic wrap and a waterproof device meant for an adult’s arm. 

Together these items created a waterproof, sand-proof answer to Emma’s quandary – and she was able to come down to the beach each day – dig in the sand, wade in the water and even lie at the shore while waves came up and crashed on her bathing suit.  She was a happy little girl.













Each night I would stand outside my room and see more stars than I had ever seen at one time.  I would see the darkness across the beach with the whitecaps of the waves breaking on the shore.  The sound of the waves crashing during the night was soothing – it was so nice to have a natural “sound machine” while I slept each night.

I woke each morning – again to the sounds of the waves – and the sun rising over the beach – waiting for us to join in.  I would sit in a rocking chair outside my door and could actually smell the salt water in the air and see shore birds flying high along the beach.  As I spent time in morning prayers and my devotional, I felt peace and joy overflowing.





I would go downstairs and find 3 very excited children – announcing, “Nonna’s up” and smell the fresh pot of coffee waiting for me.  Most mornings Peter cooked bacon and eggs to order as we sat in the roomy kitchen – at an Island which included the stove and counter with stools.  Conversations began and didn’t end until we said goodnight at the end of each day.  One morning – at Peter’s request – I made Mom’s Bisquick Pancakes – of course served alongside bacon – and coffee.  And then – my favorite – Sarah’s Breakfast Casserole!

Soon all were running up to their rooms – putting on bathing suits – grabbing pails & shovels, boogie boards, towels, beach chairs and sunscreen and heading to the beach – since that is why we were here anyway!

The beach was beautiful – crystal clear warm water – and constant signs of beach and shore life.  I noticed, as Pook informed me when I was first told of my gift to Holden Beach, “Nonna, there’s quite a lot of wildlife at Holden Beach.”  And there was!

Many shorebirds were always along the shore – sandpipers, terns, sanderlings, brown pelicans, and various types of gulls.  A few times during the week we saw dolphins passing by – dancing & playing in the waves as they headed either North or South.  We saw many schools of fish in the waves as they crested while we were swimming, and an occasional crab would scurry along the shore, returning to the water once we were near it.

During the day we played, swam, took long walks, read, listened to music while sunbathing and chatting about whatever was on our minds and in our hearts. 

Aunt Krista and Nonna brought some surprises that were able to bring many smiles from not only the kids but all us ‘kids at heart’ as well.  We played with a giant beach ball, bubbles with a giant bubble wand, parachute figures diving off the extended porch onto the beach, tossing colorful flying saucers along the beach, and whatever else entertained all.

Some of my favorite memories:

Early morning walk along the beach – while still in our pjs – searching for shells.  Holden Beach has amazing shells along the shore each morning – just waiting for shell collectors to scoop up. 

Peter & Krista walked & talked together, gaining distance as Justin & I tagged behind – picking up treasures and having lengthy discussions about all sorts of things. 

I kept standing in amazement at how much Justin has grown and how easily he can chat for long periods of time, while we walked and gathered our shells. 

Fun times in the water with Justin, laughing at our attempt to fight the current pulling us in the opposite direction of where we wanted to be.  Making up imaginary tales of being pulled to England’s coast and standing in front of Big Ben in our bathing suits with Justin’s boogie board!

Watching Pook in the water – ‘jumping’ the waves as they came to shore – being ever-so-cautious of how deep he went in.  Hearing his giggles as we acted silly and ran way from the wave chasing us.  His tender heart and fun spirit shines forth in everything he does.

Hearing Emma ask, “I come?” each time we would leave the house – making sure she was part of the fun.  Drawing pictures Emma requested and hearing her excitement when I accomplished the artistic version of her request.  Watching Aunt Krista read her stories, and seeing a child only 2 ½ years old with a keen sense of humor that would get all of us laughing so hard!

Watching Justin master boogie boarding - far out into the ocean – riding waves all the way to the shore and heading out again and again.



Sitting on the porch swing with the kids.

While reading and sunning, having Peter bring afternoon drinks to the beach.  Almost like being on a cruise – well, a cruise on land!  Totally relaxing at the beach, while watching the kids having a great time.

Amazing dinners each night!  Always eating too much – but not really caring since I was still celebrating my 60^th and it IS vacation:  BBQ Sandwiches – Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts, served with Rigatoni with Roasted Vegetables - Mexican Fiesta Night; Tacos (soft & hard) with toppings, Spanish Rice, Black Beans, Guacamole – Barbequed Hot Dogs & Hamburgers – Barbequed Steak & Baked Potatoes – Garlic/Butter Shrimp with Creamy Southern Grits & Crumbled Bacon.

And our last night we went out for Southern BBQ, which was AMAZING!

Playing games with Peter, Sarah & Krista at night, once the kids were in bed.  Always ‘thinking’ I might win this time – but never did – but loved the laughs and chats while playing.

Being able to see the amazing parents Peter & Sarah are - caring for their children, always teaching, keeping them occupied and happy, disciplining when necessary - resulting in 3 amazingly well behaved, happy kids – who know they are loved beyond words.

Seeing how perfectly the Lord joined together my son with the most amazing woman to be his wife.  Constantly being reminded of just how precious both Peter & Sarah are to me.

Watching Peter & Krista interact as adults – sometimes just as silly as they did when they were young children – sharing with each other all that is going on in their lives – encouraging one another – and of course, making fun of each other whenever they saw an opportunity.



Enjoying our Mexican Fiesta and dance parties – with DJ Pook!

All let loose with their hats, light sticks & necklaces - having a blast!  Even Emma – dancing away in her little pink cast and dance hat – taking her dances very seriously.



Painted sunset skies.

Birthday song over 60 flaming candles – melting quickly due to the high heat!!

The car trip to and from Holden Beach with Krista.  Stopping on the way down for an evening’s rest and our hearty Cracker Barrel Breakfast before continuing on our trip. 



Driving straight through when returning home – making quick stops and once to eat - supplied with Krista’s iPod travel song list to entertain us to and from – never repeating a song!  Singing, talking, laughing – making a long trip fun!  





I don’t know what could have made this beautiful vacation gift any more precious than it was.  I returned home so loved, refreshed, and with a mindful of memories that I will hold dear to my heart – always! 

I am blessed beyond words!













Mom's Beautiful Smile



 

My mom struggled through life with many disappointments, rejection, betrayal, and pain.  She was born in Seattle, WA, August 26, 1931.  She didn’t like speaking about her childhood and her past very much.  But as she got older – and especially in her last few years as she was struggling with failing health – she would share a bit more about her life each time we would spend time together.

Her father left her mother when my mom was very young.  Her mom then died while she was just a young girl – and then there was a guardian who took advantage of a trust fund, leaving my mom with confusion and betrayal as her early impression of important people in her life.  After many more difficult times in her life – she headed East and came to Brooklyn, NY.

Without going into the continued struggles she faced – I remember a 28-year-old mother of three girls suddenly faced with loss once again.  I came home from school for lunch and found tons of relatives in our living room – all trying to comfort my mom, while at the same time very upset themselves. 

 

I was told that Daddy had died – and that for awhile, we were going to stay with Aunt Jenny (Daddy’s sister) until things settled.  The next few weeks and months were a blur to me.  As time went by – and only being a 7-year-old girl – the concept that Daddy wasn’t coming back was very strange to me.  He always said “Goodbye” to me whenever he went anywhere – and I kept saying, “But he didn’t say goodbye to me.”

But time passed – hearts healed a bit – as much as they can in a time where not many people spoke of pain – and definitely didn’t speak with their children about their pain, loss, or death.

 

Mom eventually met someone, while commuting – now that she had to work.  A handsome New York City cab driver was quite taken by my beautiful mother.  He would make sure he was near our apartment complex to drive her to work each morning.  Soon, they dated and we met him. 

 

He was smart enough to bribe us with a sweet puppy – my first dog, Pocchie.  Handing this teeny puppy through a small sliding door on our kitchen screen window won my heart.  Soon afterwards, he became my Daddy, and we all moved to a new house in Syosset, LI.

My beautiful Mom would soon smile again, taking care of our new family and home.  Was it a perfect life?  Of course not.  Who has that perfect life anyway?  But Mom enjoyed caring for me and my two younger sisters, and fussing over her new home – and she loved decorating for various seasons and holidays.  We weren’t in Syosset for a very long time before we moved to Levittown, LI.  Unfortunately we always seemed to move during the school year, and I was always saying goodbye to friends and then being the new kid in the class.  We were in Levittown through part of my first year of Junior High – when we moved once again - to Rego Park, Queens.

Mom and Dad had a bumpy relationship, which continued until near when Mom became ill and Dad had to care for her.  But Dad was given the opportunity to show Mom how very much he really did love her, by caring for her, loving her, and telling her every day that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever met (no matter how ill she became).

Looking back, I see so much of my Mom in who I have become as a woman myself; her love of family, her creativity, her love for art, nature and crafts; trying to see the best in everyone and trusting many, even those who do not deserve her trust; her joy in cooking for her family, especially for special occasions and holidays.  And especially her sarcastic sense of humor and silliness – and her ability to laugh at herself.

She was taken from me much too early in my life.  I was only 41 and Mom was only 62.  I know many have lost their mothers much earlier in life – but anytime is too soon. 

       

           

My Mom was there for my wedding and then to comfort me during a sad divorce.  She did get time with my son and daughter and each of my sister’s sons – but they were all so young to lose their Grandma.  I only wish she could see each of them now, and especially her great grandchildren!

But I hold on to the many memories of my dear, sweet Mom – who I knew loved me more than words can say.  Of her soft hand holding my tiny hand as we walked around when I was very small.  Of her fussing over my pretty dresses and brushing my hair – making me feel so special.

I hold on to a weekend getaway when I took her to Sturbridge, MA soon before she became homebound.  Of our running around through the village, antique shops, going out for great dinners and the hours and hours of conversations we had while away.  Of the belly laughs each night we returned to our hotel room and started getting so tired that we became punchy. 

I hold on to all the years of her teaching me about life – the wisdom she shared, even when she didn’t even know she was doing so - and when I was too young to truly understand.  I hold on to our hours and hours of chatting at her bedside about disappointments in life – but then of hope, faith, and love. 

 



 

I hold on to Mom’s beautiful smile!

P-A-R-T-Y Time!

I celebrated my 60^th Birthday on August 2^nd.  Well I am actually still celebrating – and there’s more to come.

I always loved celebrating my birthday – even when I reached those milestones – 30 – 50 – and now 60!  I’ve never been one to hide my age!  I figure if I made it this far – I deserve to shout from the rooftop that it’s my birthday. 

Of course as my kids grew up – I always fussed on their special day.  They would wake to a room full of balloons, banners and birthday songs, with Captain Zoom singing, “Hey Peter/Krista, It’s Your Birthday!” 

This would always follow with their favorite breakfast – even on school days – they would get treated to a special birthday start.  There were family gatherings and kiddie parties – tons of treats, cake and gifts.  My son’s birthday is January 7 and I would do my best to take down all our Christmas decorations before his birthday – trying my best to avoid having his day just tagged onto the holiday festivities.  As he got older – this rush to take down the tree wasn’t so important – which, all kidding aside, was a big mistake, because I would then leave my decorations up forever!  My daughter’s birthday being June 3, was a great mid-year break and I tried to take advantage of the season and have some outdoor celebrations for her.

Anyway – my son & daughter were also very sweet and would fuss over Mom with cards, gifts and fun times.  As they became adults and my son married and moved away – they would get in touch with each other and plan something special for me – always making sure my day was special and that I knew they thought of me. 

This year – being a major milestone – I am being treated to a week at a house on the beach in Holden Beach, North Carolina – with my son, my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren and my daughter.  It’s not that often that I am able to have everyone together. 
This is all to take place the 2^nd week in September.  So although my birthday has passed – I still have something really special to look forward to.  I am truly blessed.

My extended family & friends are also fussing over the ol’ gal and I have many dinners, visits, and outings planned throughout the month.  Not a bad deal!

I guess I sound like a little kid – getting all excited about her birthday.  But I realized that it’s not really the fussing over me that I’m excited about – it’s having the excuse to get together with the many people who are so precious to me and spending some fun times with everyone.  And yes, most get-togethers are based around great food – I’m sure that’s a big part of the excitement!

I have so much to be thankful for.  I would like to focus every day on my blessings, rather than the difficult times each day may bring; realize the caring and love that surrounds me; enjoy each “now” moment – since I really do not know what tomorrow will bring.

One birthday dinner down – a few birthday lunches planned - and then at least two more dinners this month; this weekend a family combo celebration with my Dad – his birthday is August 4.  Later this month – another dinner with very dear friends.  Then next month, it’s off to Holden Beach with the treasures of my heart!

I Actually Remember!

As I approach a BIG birthday this week – I not only started reminiscing over the past in general – but how much growing up as a child has changed – really changed since I was a young girl. 

You may have heard the saying ‘The Good Ol’ Days.’  I don’t really know if they were good as much as they were days which gave us much to hold on to for the future.  Life seemed much simpler.


Simpler, yet at the same time they were days when hard work was something to be proud of, and success was something you strived to accomplish for yourself.  When you succeeded, you knew you did so because of how much you put into it, and you didn’t expect handouts.  Most Dads worked hard, long hours, making sure their family’s needs were met.  Kids grew up knowing that when they became adults, they too were expected to work hard.  Most families I knew had very little, yet what they did have was truly appreciated and cherished.

I remember kids playing outdoors as many hours as possible.  We didn’t have much structured play, like being on ball teams or taking classes outside of school.  Besides doing our chores and our homework, most had a carefree childhood.  We pretty much were out from early morning – maybe popped back for lunch and dinner - and were told to make sure you are home before it got dark.  You ran, you raced, you won, you cheered, and sometimes even lost.  Yes lost!  It was ok for kids to know they could lose, again and again.  We just tried harder and harder each time, hoping one day, we would be one of the winners.

My family moved a lot – which gave me the opportunity to grow up both in urban communities as well as the suburbs.  Some of the games children played varied because of the neighborhood – but most were pretty similar – and in both, kids were usually found outdoors most of the time.  We pretty much played either in each other’s yards or in the street.  When in the street, if one of us saw a car coming, we yelled “CAR” and everyone scattered to the side of the street.  Drivers also knew there would be kids playing, and therefore drove slowly, expecting the warning, “CAR” to be yelled.

I remember when getting into trouble was “cutting yards” – where a group of us split up into teams, and literally ran through backyards throughout our neighborhood.  I remember being asked by Greg, the cool kid, if I wanted to learn how to flip a fence.  Of course I said yes, he was the cool kid!  So he had me practice in his backyard; jump up with my waist on the top of the fence, and flip over – landing on the other side of the fence.  And you couldn’t just land on the other side, you needed to land on your feet, ready to run.  As short as I was, I mastered this.  And soon, it was known that I was on Greg's team.

We would dash through yard after yard – the challenge: don’t get bit by the dogs chasing after you, don’t get caught by the “old folks” yelling at you as you ran through their yards, don’t get hit by broom handles - or whatever other ‘weapon’ was being used to threaten you as you flipped fence after fence, and be the first team back.  Most people screamed at us, yet almost smiled as you chose their yard to cut through – as long as you didn’t trample their gardens.  Maybe this was because kids were raised to always be polite and greet adults – therefore they all knew us, and knew which were trouble makers and which were just being kids having a good time.

I remember spending hours skating with large groups of kids.  Skating outdoors was always done with metal skates that fit over your shoes or sneakers, and needed a key to adjust the fit (which was always worn on a shoelace around your neck).  The sound of skaters coming down the street in droves let parents know where the group of kids were around the neighborhood.

When we outgrew our skates, we’d use them on our Scooters, using wooden crates and old pieces of wood that we’d find in someone’s garage, garbage pile, anywhere.  Some scooters would be made to stand on, others were meant to sit in the crate and had steering capability, using old baby carriage wheels – but all were used to race the other kids – many times downhill, resulting in busted scooters, and black & blues.  As long as you made it all the way down the hill you were thrilled, and if you won – everyone cheered; the bumps and bruises were well worth it.

Kids also played stickball or kickball – with bases either drawn in chalk in the street – or specific items, such as a fire hydrant, stop sign, gutter, etc. were designated as bases.  Jump rope was a great pastime – usually using old clotheslines.  And if you could jump Double Dutch – you were “in.”  This took skill to both learn how to jump in and out as well as learn how to turn the two ropes in opposite directions.  You would always find a group of Double Dutch kids in the schoolyard.

Once in awhile, on a rainy day, we were treated to an afternoon at the Roller Rink, where you rented shoe skates, with wooden wheels, to be used in the wooden rink.  An organist was always present – to us, he looked to be at least 100 years old – playing live music to skate by!

Going to the movies was another real treat.  That took up and entire Saturday afternoon.  Admission was about 75 cents.  Theaters were immense, with ornate decorating inside, giant velvet drapes hung in front of the one super large screen on the stage.  You were greeted by a host – who welcomed all the kids to the movies and you were treated to a juggler, magician, or acrobats performing.  Afterwards the lights would dim and the ‘Newsreel’ would run – giving us the latest news from around the world.  We then saw two cartoons and finally the main feature.  An entire afternoon of entertainment that sometimes also ended with a chance to win a prize in a raffle – a big prize!  I still remember the shock when my friend Janie won a Schwinn bicycle.  I also once won – but was not so thrilled – since I won a Singer Sewing Machine.  Mom was excited – but I always remembered the time Janie won a bike!

One of the best treats ever was going to the Drive-In Movie with the entire family.  Mom would have us all put on our pajamas – bring pillows & blankets, and we’d head out to the Drive-In.  I can still remember the sound of the gravel crunching under the car wheels as we drove to our spot.  That meant the fun was about to begin. 

First we’d go to the playground with all the other kids; most were also dressed in their pjs.

As it started to get dark, we’d get popcorn, soda and ice cream – come back to the car, where a speaker would be attached on the inside of the driver’s side window – which by the way, also worked as a heater – since many nights would get a bit chilly in the car.  I’m not sure whether we stayed awake for the entire movie – but I knew every time the night got darker, the giant screen seemed brighter; I always thought of how much I loved going to the Drive-In.

A favorite treat was ice cream from the Good Humor Ice Cream man – who actually came around the neighborhood pushing his ice cream cart.  The Good Humor man was required to tip his hat to the ladies and salute gentlemen.  He made change from the coin changer attached to his belt.  And there was Bungalow Bar – the cool ice cream truck that actually looked like a bungalow on wheels.

Of course the real ice cream treat was when you were a bit older and were able to go to Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor with your friends and order the Kitchen Sink that you would all share!

 

I remember some special times spent with my Mom.  Some were treats and some were actually going on errands with her.  Whenever she would purchase groceries, she would receive S&H Green Stamps – which were placed into her Green Stamp Books – a job given to me and proudly done well.  After collecting enough books to trade in – we would make the trip to the S&H Green Stamp Redemption Center and choose a special gift, or a small kitchen appliance.  I can remember the excitement of handing in the books and coming home with something new; even if it was an appliance it was exciting!

Sometimes we were treated to a trip into “the city” – which of course everyone knew meant Manhattan.  What I most remember is standing on line at Radio City Music Hall to see a show.  While in the city, we would stop at Horn and Hardart’s Automat for lunch.  The Automat served freshly made food for a few nickels, and Mom insisted that no one made a better cup of coffee.  The food was actually freshly made, by culinary chefs, known to be extremely good quality and taste, and was enjoyed by everyone.

I was given a handful of nickels and by dropping the nickels at the wall of small glass doors, I could pull out a sandwich, hot food (such as meatloaf & mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, etc.), and even a warm piece of pie or pudding for dessert.  It was more than an inexpensive place to have a good meal; it was a treasure, and for its time, an ingenious technical dining experience.

I remember there being many services that benefitted families in our neighborhood.  Our milk was delivered to our door before sunrise, left in a metal milk box outside our door.  I would hear the clang, clang, of the milk bottles – which were glass – hitting each other in the wire basket the milkman used to carry the bottles to our door.  Empty bottles would be left for the milkman to pick up when making the next delivery.  He also drove his refrigerated truck standing up.

The Dugan Man drove through our neighborhood.  The truck had bread and cake, and was found driving up and down our neighborhood streets; and it was the best bread & cake too!  The General Grinding truck also came by regularly, offering to sharpen knives, scissors, mower blades, etc., right in front of your doorstep. 

Looking back, I see how important it was to serve the people, make life a bit easier, while many were also able to make a living offering these services.

When we lived in a house on Long Island, being invited over at a spur of the moment to a neighbor’s BBQ was common.  While in the city, seeing parents sitting on stoops, chatting, arguing, laughing and getting to know more about each other, was a common scene in each neighborhood, while kids played endlessly all day.

What I remember most about growing up both in an urban community or suburbia, was that families all knew each other, knew each other's children, and looked out for one another.  Perhaps that was because we were not horded up in our homes all the time in front of televisions or computers.  Also, it was a time when most Moms were at home – therefore making it easier for everyone on your block, if not in your neighborhood, to get to know all the kids - Moms were usually the backbone of the neighborhood.  I remember neighbors were always helping each other out in regard to each other's children - a time when the old African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," was actually lived. 

As I write this, boy do I feel old . . . very old!  I realize so much has changed in just 60 years.  Many changes may have been for the better, inventions, technology, etc.  But some have been at the expense of basic relationships.  How much do we know each other, our neighbors, and what’s going on in our community?  Have we become so content in our technical world that we’ve become insensitive to what’s most important – people around us every day?  And how does this impact our personal relationships within our immediate families?  How will this impact tomorrow’s generations?

Ah – 60 years of memories, many blessings, good times, and definitely many struggles.  I hope I will never let go of what is most important – and will hold on to the many memories of all those I have crossed paths with during this portion of my journey.

The Good Ol’ Days . . . fond memories and lessons learned to hold on to.

Nonna Determination

An update on my attempt to see the grandkids.

After airports closing last week – on the night I was planning to fly to Cincinnati – I planned to head out to LaGuardia early Thursday morning and begin my journey to visit my son and his family.

Car service was scheduled for 4:15 am – yes that says “am”.  Anyone who knows me well enough, knows that is quite an accomplishment, being I am definitely not a morning person.  But I was up, ready, and on time.  As I approached the security area at LaGuardia – I could see there was already chaos with the mass of people who couldn’t fly the night before.  But I went through without any difficulty and decided to make the best of whatever was in store for me.  My flight was scheduled for 6:05 am.

I found a good cup of coffee – a cranberry scone – and a comfy seat at the gate and relaxed.  As the time drew near – I noticed all flights were overbooked – and announcements asking people to give up their seats were constantly being heard.  This didn’t look good.

I didn’t get on my 6:05 am flight – and was rolled over to the next flight – which was approximately 11:40 am.  But I soon found out that too was overbooked.  This continued throughout the day.  I traveled from gate to gate – terminal to terminal – grabbing snacks and coffee along the way – and making new friends that were in the same situation as I was – all trying to get into Cincinnati!  I had my nook – did tons of reading – took a snooze or two – and became very familiar with LaGuardia Airport!  I felt like a character in Terminal and was sure I saw Viktor Navorski scurrying around the airport as well.  I remembered the tag line for that movie was, Life is Waiting – how appropriate!

I relaxed and realized me stressing out or carrying on at each gate will not change the situation – and will only make me miserable.  So I smiled, kept an eye on the departure schedule and continued through my day.

LaGuardia has recently revamped their terminals – with massive seating areas with iPads available to use at no cost.  Not only can you search the web, play games, and whatever else iPads are good for, you could also search restaurants in the airport, order food and have it delivered to the seat you are at.

I had amazing conversations with the many others I continued to run into at each gate, who were also desperately trying to get out of NYC!  There was a group that was stressed out and miserable and then my gang who just laughed and enjoyed another coffee & snack.

As the afternoon was drawing to an end – and I saw the next flight was overbooked by 14 people – I decided to call it a day – head on home and try, once more, on Friday morning.

I called a friend to see if he was available to pick me up at the airport – trying to save a few dollars on cab fare – and he was available.  I headed home – had a nice dinner – chatted with my son about my next attempt early Friday morning and went to bed. 

My son & I had been texting back and forth all day.  At one point, he sent me a text that said we had sent over 71 text messages on that one day!  I stayed calm – actually had an enjoyable day – and when I returned home, found an email message from my son:  You're a great example of patience, hope, and a positive attitude during a very trying and disappointing situation. If I'm half as pleasant as you in a similar situation, I'll be happy.  :)

This definitely warmed my heart and I realized that I was only able to be this example by a changed heart due to my relationship with the Lord.

Friday 4:15 am came & once again – car arrived and took this determined Nonna to the airport one more time.  Flights were still overbooked – I’m still trying to understand why they do this – but miraculously I did get on the overbooked 6:05 am flight – arrived at the Cincinnati airport at 8:15 am – and was greeted by two smiling, running, amazing boys – ready with super hugs for Nonna! 

All I went through disappeared immediately!

Anticipation

Anticipation:  the feeling of looking forward, usually excitedly or eagerly, to something that is going to happen.

I had plans to visit my grandchildren in Kentucky.  I was scheduled for a flight out of LaGuardia Airport at 7:40 pm tonight - Wednesday night – I would arrive at 9:55 pm and stay through Sunday.  A short visit – but staying with them, waking each morning and spending entire days together, usually makes up for living far away and not having the opportunity for spur of the moment visits or outings.

Heavy storms were predicted for the New York City/Long Island area – with warnings of flash flooding, heavy thunder & lightening.  The day was overcast – sun would sneak a peek ever-so-often and then a burst of thunder and rain.  But once again I was teased by that sun shining down through massive clouds.

Maybe, just maybe, it will calm down just enough for me to make my flight – and once I was up above the clouds – let all hell break loose. 

I had scheduled to leave work early to go home, get my dog settled, and get a few last minute things packed.  Car service was to arrive around 5:15.  On my way home, while listening to the radio in the car, I heard that annoying alarm sounding from the radio – the one that usually beings with, “This is a test” and ends with, “if this was an actual emergency, you would be directed what to do next.”  But it wasn’t a test – it was actually warning about the intense storms – heavy winds – flood warnings – and now massive hail storms happening in New York City and some areas of Queens. Three inch hail was found in Greenwich Village.  Serious lightening storms – 14 lightening strikes in 10 minutes in one area of NYC.

Am I stupid to still think maybe all will just come pouring down for a couple of hours and then I can still catch my flight?  Am I an idiot to think – so, we’ll be delayed and it’ll be the saga to tell all – but I’ll arrive in my son’s home, late at night, to sleeping grandchildren that will greet me in the morning?  Ummm – yes, I am! 

My car service even called and asked was I absolutely certain my flight was still scheduled, since they were getting cancellations for all reservations for any car going to an airport.  Well, eventually – all flights – every single flight – going out of Kennedy & LaGuardia airports were cancelled.  OK – I guess I’m not going!  I got it.

My feeling of disappointment was intense.  I haven’t been with my grandchildren since Christmas and missed them terribly.  I can only imagine how disappointed they were as well.  Nonna was not coming tonight!

Tomorrow is another day!  Due to all flights being cancelled tonight, I’m sure the airports are going to be crazy with rescheduling and possibly more cancellations, since predictions of scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for tomorrow as well.

You never know – I may be lucky and find some flight – even if later in the day.  And although I will have lost tons of time with everyone, I will still have some precious moments with my grandkids.

So I’ll wait – once again – with anticipation!  Maybe, just maybe, we’ll be having dinner together.

Until then – thankfully – there’s Skype!