Our flight is delayed until 6:50 p.m. which is a godsend as we, especially me, predictably need as much time as possible – I keep unpacking and repacking the packing Samantha and I did the night before – still making different decisions re: exactly what I will need for 3 months away from home. I get the feeling there’s no way I can get this right and, so, I start throwing things in, taking things out, hoping it will work. The big things, anyway, are not the clothes, although I’m always desperate to be warm, so I think about that a lot, but it is the medications, contacts, teaching materials and I think I have those right.
We are at O’Hare in the security line and I’m eating a chicken sandwich from McDonald’s that Paul bought me hours ago. As ususal, I’m juggling too many things – a coat, purse (too full to close), carryon, plane ticket, passport, sandwich – I wish Amie could see me, she pointed out long ago how I move through life with my arms full of stuff – always carrying something.
Paul’s mom tells me how amazing this whole Scotland thing is – how did I think of it? She doesn’t know anyone else who has done something like this…. It’s so like her to imagine that this is MY idea and I made it happen all by myself.
We are in the boarding area and I finally have a minute to call Ma (Paul’s mom) and Bets – Mom fell yesterday and she has been in a tremendous amount of pain, Karen says the meds are not controlling it – just when she is feeling well, now this…. I wish I could bring both of them over to Scotland for a few weeks.
omg! We hate to hear about your mom. we are so glad that there is family close to help her while you are gone. They know you would be there in a minute if you weren't across the ocean! G and G
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