Today, I was remembering back many years ago, when my older
kids were very little. I was thinking about the time I had to fly from Kansas
City, MO back to Germany with two children under the age of two. A lot of that
time in my life is a blur, but this particular experience I will never forget.
I flew from Kansas City, MO to LaGuardia, NY. LGA was
enormous compared to the airport in Kansas City. I had to, with two very small
children- still in diapers- pick up our luggage and head over to the
International Terminal and check in for our flight.
That entire process was a nightmare to say the least. I
recall trying to push one and pull another luggage cart filled to the top, with
suitcases tittering from all sides. I needed to take an elevator up but both
kids and carts would not fit. Luckily, a nice airport attendant helped me. She
pushed one cart while I pushed the other, each with a child. After, what seemed
like hours, we finally made it to the International terminal to stand in line
to check in. The line was one of the longest lines I had ever seen and it moved
at the speed of snail. The kids were good for the most part, but once I got
closer and closer for my turn at the counter, and the kind woman left me all
hell started to break loose.
While trying to balance two children on each hip, I was fumbling
through my carryon bags to find our passports and tickets. Picture this- kids
crying, snot running down their noses, me bouncing trying to “shush” them, me
apologizing to be very under paid and annoyed ticket person.
I remember feeling so overwhelmed and frustrated. I was
cursing my then husband in my mind at the time for having me go through this
entire process alone. How dare he? THAT ASS!
I must have been a sight- after for what felt like forever-
a elderly woman broke ranks in line and said, “For Heaven’s sake, you are
chocking that child!” She reached out and grabbed my youngest- which I was apparently
holding in a chock hold, with his little legs dangling from behind - Right
about this point is when I lost it, and broke into the ugly cry.
I finally pulled myself together, we were the first ones
allowed to board the plane. I do not remember much about that flight. I do
however recall the biggest sigh of relief that I felt when we landed
and I was off that plane.
Sometimes, it feels like it was just yesterday and other
times it seems like a lifetime ago.
Where the heck did the time go?
