Fly By Night

Dear God. 4:00am comes way early when you have stayed up until 1am. In order for Kiel to catch his flight we need to leave at 4:30 to get him through security for a 5:30 board time. He is not ready. He throws things in the little suitcase, fusses about where his medicine got to, tells me he is going to take a shower. Take a shower! You have to be kidding! We should be walking out the door now.

I sit in the chair biting my tongue, praying for patience and grace. The momentary irritation at having to haul myself out the door so early dissolves into an awareness that it is a very small price to pay considering what is happening in the lives of others both in North Carolina and in Wyoming. I am happy to be able to do some little thing to assist, small as it is.

At least there is no traffic to speak of and we are able to get to the airport in a timely way. I drop Kiel at the door. I haven't a dime on me, so I can't park and go in with him. Instead, I pull to the cell phone waiting area and instruct Kiel to call me when he is through security safely. With last minute tickets, you can never be too sure.

As I wait for Kiel's call, I am grateful that I have over a half tank of gas and will be able to keep the car running and warm while I wait. I lay the seat back, pull the hood of my sweatshirt over my eyes, and doze while half praying for travel mercies for everyone, for strength for Shannon and the girls, for peace for DJ and wisdom for all.

Kiel calls to let me know that he is at the gate, boarding pass in hand. I pull away from the curb and head home to catch a few more minutes of shut eye before getting Drew to carpool and heading out for a 9am meeting. I have ref desk tonight until 9, so I will be able to go home for a few hours in the afternoon, thank God.

Kiel texts me that he is in NC, headed for the luggage pickup. Step one of the plan is complete. Tomorrow the family flies to Wyoming. I pray that Sandy will stay stable and conscious, that she will enjoy her time with the grandchildren, that she and Shannon will have time for the necessary things to be said. And that maybe, just maybe, a reprieve will be granted. The prayer vigil continues.