"What is important is to keep learning, to enjoy challenge, and to tolerate ambiguity. In the end there are no certain answers."– Matina Horner
The calm before the storm was apparent and fitting. Last week we were having a wonderful time in NYC visiting and sightseeing with my sister Bev and Roger. Everything was copacetic and couldn’t be much better. Hanging out, conversing about past and current events while traveling to and from the Long Island Sound into the wonderful city was a daily occurrence. In fact there was Monday night football, and the World Series that pitted my former team the Detroit Tigers against the San Francisco Giants. My team currently are the Oakland A’s who were defeated by the Tigers in the playoffs. And then there was news about Sandy. At first the psychological defense mechanism of denial was apparent as this hurricane didn’t seem to register in my life space.
Then as the week progressed, especially towards the end of the week, the weather wasn’t getting any warmer as dark clouds approached. Reality slowly but significantly began to set in when the airlines announced on television that they would allow travelers to change their travel plans without penalty. Okay, now the anxiety level began to rise as I waited 40 minutes on the phone to talk to an airlines agent about changing reservations. After that wait, our plans were made and we were scheduled to leave on Sunday instead of Tuesday. The computers software was not working properly and we were not able to print out a boarding pass or to get two seat assignments.
The more we were updated about Sandy, the more concerned I became. Initially my sister was going to drive us to the airport limousine pickup. Then it was decided to get sandbags and bring them back to the house. Linda and I decided to call a cab and get out of my sisters and Rogers hair. Now we were relying on the cab company, the airport limo service, and the airlines. I became less and less in control of the situation. So now I have to balance anxiety with my sense of trust. Would this transportation system work effectively and return Linda and me to the “safety” of the airport in Sacramento?
On the trip from Sacramento to New York, our plane had a malfunction and we sat at the gate for a couple of hours until it was fixed. To make matters worse we were delayed in Denver and Linda’s luggage did not accompany us once we arrived at LaGuardia. Well, this time everything worked as we returned to California safely with our entire luggage.
Oh by the way, I’m happy to report that Beverly and Rogers home was not flooded. Of course their dock was damaged and they’re still without power but safe and dry.
Remember friends to keep moving as it’s good for you.
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