Patience Amid Chaos

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." 

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Six days ago with a carefully packed suitcase, a book and some knitting tucked into my duffel,  camera safely in my purse, boarding pass in hand, and, oh yes, my husband... (I actually was tagging along with him) I was headed to Boston.    We would arrive and be at our hotel in time to maybe knock off at least one small thing on my to do list and most certainly to have a nice dinner celebrating my being back in Boston after 20something years.  (Roger's home office is in Boston; he is there often.) All was good!

It didn't take long to realize the trip might not go as smoothly as planned.  It began in the security line when a passenger couldn't not comprehend taking off all the jewelry meant no jewelry.  After several times through the metal detector, a bit of drama and some angry words, she was escorted off for a more intimate check.  The TSA agent finally nodded at me, thanked me for my patience and sent me through.  No bells or whistles for me.  All was good!

Our first flight delay was at our own airport.   Take off was postponed an hour because...well, I don't remember why we were behind.  However, it really wasn't an hour, we were soon boarded and in the air.  The Pilot assured us he could make-up the time and no one would miss connections in Baltimore.  Three hours of undisturbed reading.  All was good!

The trip seemed to zip by (I resisted saying "fly by").  The Pilot announced we would be beginning our descent into Baltimore, but because of delays, caused by storms, we would be hanging out in the air until further notice.  Okay, back to the book.   Once we actually landed, we were diverted off the runway to park until a gate became available.  Just as we began to move, a passenger got up and walked to the front.  After being ask three times to sit down, because we could not move as long as he was out of his seat, he finally made the "walk of shame" back to his seat past some very grumpy passengers and hungry babies.  We had missed our window of opportunity.  So, we miss our connection...I've never been to Baltimore.  All would be good!

Checking the boards upon entering the terminal we found our flight was delayed until 5:45.... wait, 6:20...no, 7:45...oh my 8:00.   Each time I checked the board the time was pushed back.  Reading, knitting, people watching or, maybe... eating!  My morning blueberry muffin was wearing a little thin.

You know, it was all still good!

Finally we were told to line up for boarding around 8:45.  Everyone, including the airline personnel, were tired and a little bit irritable.   After being yelled at by the ticket agent we were finally onboard only to have her come into the plane to have yet another meltdown about a passenger count issue.  I think her days are probably numbered.   We were on the plane, and all was good!

We were in Boston and in our hotel room by midnight.  The only thing I wanted to do was unpack and go to bed.  I opened my suitcase.... my clothes were wet.  I suppose, my suitcase was left uncovered during one of the downpours.  I seriously doubt I was the only one to open up their luggage and find wet items.  

I was really too tired to really care.  Roger helped me hang them around the room  Worse case scenario?  I would send some things to the cleaners.  I'm was almost certain Boston might have one or two.  Most importantly, we had a bed, a bathroom and tomorrow.  All was good!

You know, I think sometimes, we are placed in situations

 forcing us to slow down and relinquish control.

 Often, it really is just what it is.

We have the choice to sit back and enjoy

the ride wherever it may take us. 

Or, we can get angry, try to take control

 and delay our arrival even further.

(life is just too precious)