Travel Thoughts

I fly a lot these days. I'm a frequent flyer. It's not bad. I just reached the level where I get automatic upgrades n Delta. Today I got a surprise upgrade to first class on my flight from Miami to Atlanta! Yes! That rocks! It seems to me that besides the larger seat, the big difference between first class and peon is the service. The stewardess kept asking me if I wanted another drink or snack! It's an hour and a half flight and I left at 7 am. how much do I need to drink or eat at that hour? I had four OJ's and three oatmeal bars. It;s the same stuff as in coach, just more of it!

Today there was a family travelling in First class with a little boy about 4 year old. hew was very excited about flying! He got a tour of the cockpit by the pilots and a pin with wings on it, that he proudly showed me every 20 minutes. As we taxied out he kept shouting! "we're moving! We're gonna take off!" when we actually did he yelled "We're flying Mom! We're flying!" AS we landed he exclaimed "Here comes the ground, Mom! It's coming really fast! WE'RE LANDED!" When he shouted that, the whole cabin burst into applause! It was really fun to see him be so excited about his adventure. His enthusiasm really infected everyone. people were all smiles as we lined up to leave. It really made me feel happy as I stepped off the plane.

I made my way to the next gate for my connector to Birmingham. Going to the 'Ham! I'm awaiting the call for boarding as I write this. Across from me is an Air Force officer in his dress blue uniform. He has no luggage, so I don't think he's going on a long trip. He looks to be about my age. His demeanor is troubled and weary, though not form lack of sleep like the rest of us.. He doesn't have the happiness I caught from the boy. On his lap is his uniform jacket, neatly folded, and his uniform hat on the seat next to him. On top of his jacket is a neatly folded triangle of an American Flag. He is standing now, walking to the gate for a flight to Little Rock. He puts on his uniform and then with great care and reverence picks up the folded Flag. He is holding it out in front of him as he walks away from me. I believe he is going to deliver that Flag to the greiving family of a slain soldier.

Wednesday is the fourth of July. This year our Nation turns 231 years old. Over the holiday as we drink beer and barbecue, please raise a toast to those who aren't here to enjoy it with us. Think for a moment about the Americans who are not safe with family and friends. Think about the things that make our country strong and admired in the world. Think about where we have come as a nation and a people. Raise another toast the the people who have led us here. These are the thoughts that filled my head when I saw that officer with his Flag.