Coming Home

Gate 2.  I have formed a love/hate relationship with gate 2. 

Beaumont is a small airport, and we always arrive and depart from gate 2.  I have never seen gate 1.  Or, I have always been so excited that I zoomed past or sad that I overlooked a second gate.  Either way, Gate 2 all the way!! I am forming many memories with Gate 2.

Once, we were so excited when we arrived, we forgot to stop and get our checked bags.  We were about to have a seat in the rental car, when I finally realized that I had no clothes in tow.  “Our luggage!” I exclaimed.  Once again, I am sure Brian was a bit perturbed at my bucket of hair products that I “can’t live without” which required us to check bags in the first place.  Regardless, Brian being Brian, volunteered to go grab them, while I pulled the car around. 

A second time, I recall being the first to arrive at Gate 2 --  the very first to go through the security line.  I had never given any thought to “who” showed up first at the airport in the mornings as I am accustom to flying from a larger airport, such as Eppley Field or DFW, but this particular morning, Brian and I were first.  I wasn’t eager to get home; it was the first flight out, and Cole was sleeping.  I was not Gate 2’s friend this day.  In fact, I cried when I saw it. 

Today, Cole will meet Gate 2.  In fact, he should be sitting in one of the seats right now.  I wonder which one.  I can picture him sitting there as I saw the athlete from OU once or the young man in the service on his way back to somewhere.  Will he look lonely?  I hope his travel mates will say a quick prayer for safe travels and an easy plane change in DFW.  

I wonder if Cole will develop the same love/hate relationship.  I am so very excited to have my Cardinal home for the first time!  It will be a whirlwind of a weekend, but we will make each moment count until he returns to Gate 2.  

Just Thinking.....

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

As we travel through this journey called life, we meet many people in different walks of life.  Some may touch your life; you may touch lives. 

As I reflect on my journey in the past 41 years, I smile fondly of the great people I have met.  It is true – some people come into your life for a moment, some for a season, and some may be special enough to bond for a lifetime.  Regardless the length of stay, they all have their purpose. 

There are certain people, places and things that I may run across or be reminded of that automatically place a memory of someone in my mind.  For instance, I think of Gena Catalani every time I see a beautiful bow made of ribbon.  The song “Boot, Scoot and Boogie” immediately conjures up the memories of Sonya Bellah, Christy Richardson, and Melinda Ready.  Jimmy Buffet will forever remind me of Lisa Arnold. I cannot see yellow laffy-taffy without thinking of Dawn and Diane.  Tony Romas restaurant was a must have for Robin Montano.  I can’t hear Def Leppard’s, “Rock of Ages,” without thinking of Stacie Bice or any song by Danger Danger without thinking of Kelli Davidson and Troy Jackson.  Each time I watch Pretty Woman, I instantly think of Dixie, Bonnie and Kim. Cake Pops from Starbucks always make me smile and think of Tracy Gengler. Tiffany’s and the little blue boxes, Kim Sheffield.  Bob Seger, Peggy Huston.   Any opera music, Allison Pollitt.  Eli and Payton Manning , Tracie Williams. Madonna, Heather Becraft.  Top Gun, Angie Wheeler. Valley Girl (and most 80’s movies), my Jr Hi BFFs! Gate B33, a stranger named Danya.

The list could go on and on. 

Literally.

Flickers of memories remind me of these beautiful souls, and while these memories certainly do not define them, it causes me great joy to smile at the times once shared and for a brief second wonder what might remind people of me. A song? A restaurant? A movie?  Some may have Positive memories; some may have negative.  Some may not remember at all.

What I do hope that people remember is that I love the Lord, love my family, and love my friends.  I hope people remember me as being a loyal friend, leader and mentor, and above all else, a Christian. 

B33 - Beacon of Light

B33  - Be a Beacon of Light

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

January 2013

Even in my somber mood, I turned just a teeny bit giddy at the thought of the gate being “33.”  33 was everywhere lately, and it was my beacon of light.  I took it to be just a shred of hope.  These emergency flights home were becoming a bit more frequent, and with each one, the news a little more scary.  I would cling to anything – even 33.

As the announcements came for each delay at DFW, my hope was fading.  I just wanted to get home.  Surely these people surrounding me didn’t have as big of need as mine.  Couldn’t American Airlines do a better job of scheduling their crews?  What was the hold up?  I remained positive, getting to know my travel mates names, hometowns, travel plans, and any other info we deemed acceptable to share during our wait, until our focus turned to a young lady sobbing loudly.  Some gawked.  Some stared.  Others looked away.  I prayed.  I wasn’t sure what was making her cry uncontrollably, but I was certain, I wanted to cry just the same if only to make her feel better.  It was like a magnetic force pulling me towards her -- the kind that pulls you out of your comfort zone.  I was perfectly content sitting with my travel buds, discussing travel mishaps and delays, but God insisted this lady needed me.  I love to argue, but it does no good arguing with Him.

I walk over, and ask if I can get her some water or a tissue.  I do.  She shares her father has just passed away, and she is desperately trying to get home to Shreveport.  I silently chide myself for thinking I had the biggest need on the flight, and ask if I can pray with her.  In the middle of DFW, we stand outside gate B33 praying.  What I prayed for, I have no recollection.  I would have to guess comfort and peace, safe travels, a hedge of protection, understanding, a flight crew….

The crew came, and as God would orchestrate, we were seatmates on the plane.  She shared her name, so I could add her our prayer list.  Danya.  I shared that I have a cousin named Danja.  I hadn’t known anyone else.

July 2013

While in Beaumont shopping, I received a phone call from my cousin, Louellen and Danja’s sister, asking if I had prayed in the middle of DFW with a young lady.  I had almost completely forgotten because once we landed, my focus turned to helping my family.  I am ashamed to say that I prayed for Danya for a few days, but not much after that. 

As it turns out, Danya was named after Danja.   Danya had shared our story and what it meant to her, with my cousin and others at the visitation of her father, but she didn’t recall my name or relation. 

Louellen just wanted me to know that I had made a difference. 

October 2013

I believe people are beacons of light to others everyday just as people need others to be a beacon of light for them.  It is such a small world, and never did I think anyone would ever know of my experience that evening.  But I smile remembering how I felt to know it DID make a difference, not only to the young lady, but my family.  We never know when God may call us to be a beacon, but we know he calls us to let His light shine everyday!

·      Who can you give hope to today?

·      Have you told someone lately what a difference they have made in your life?

·      Have you paid it forward lately?

RIP Brandon

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.