Monica's Travels

**Disclaimer** I believe myself to be a good mother. What I am about to relate, will probably prove me wrong - BUT, I love my daughter and feel absolutely horrible.

Flying is an exciting thing. Something I didn't do until I was 19. First time, didn't think it was all that great - well, except to get from here to there relatively quickly..... Not so for my kids. Not only have they loved air travel, they don't get sick and find the whole adventure lots of fun!

My sister graciously invited Monica and Jaxon to come to California to visit her and her family. Jaxon went first and his travels were uneventful. The only thing that made me laugh really hard from his trip was his comment, "Mom, I owe Melissa $7.00."
Me, "Why?".
Jaxon, "Because I have to pay her a quarter for every time I say 'I know.'"
Me, "I'd be rich." Walking away laughing.

Jaxon flight came in on Saturday around 3:30. Monica's flight was supposed to leave around 4:30. Monica and I drove in, did a little Sam's Club shopping (10 gallons of milk are MUCH cheaper at Sam's Club), then headed to the airport. We checked Monica in, went through security, walked the two miles (maybe not quite that far) to Jaxon's gate. Picked him up. Walked the two miles again to Monica's gate, seriously, couldn't have been much further apart. Said our goodbyes - headed out with Jaxon. Here's where the disclaimer comes in. Had I have known what was going to happen, I would NOT have left her. But, since she's flown before (okay - never alone), but she knew what to do, I left. The reason why - no babysitter at home. Gunnar is responsible, but not for three little brothers and an extended time period. I needed to get home so there wasn't much time from when Jared went to work and I made it home.

5:15 - Monica calls, I'm half way across the flats. She says they've delayed the flight. I tell her, no problem - keep me updated..... flight is schedule to leave now at 7:30, 7:30 comes and goes..... now they're talking about an 8:30 flight. She had a connection in Vegas. No connecting flight out of Vegas after 7:30... Hmmm, being stuck in Vegas, waiting at Salt Lake airport for mom.... No brainer. Flight gets cancelled. Melissa tries another airline. They have a ticket - but won't let her on without my signature releasing her to fly. Nothing but being there in person will work. Flight leaves. Oh, luggage is already on it's way to San Diego. Now it's 10, the power in Wendover is out. Cell phone reception is terrible. Nothing going through....

I have to admit - for being 14 she held her composure and took everything in stride. Until she realized it would be another two hours before I could get there. No flight, no luggage, leaves secure area, everything closed - can't even buy food..... now the breakdown begins.

Thank goodness for friends (another sister!). My other sister named Michelle was in Salt Lake with her two girls. 20 minutes away from airport. YEAH!! They picked Monica up, took her to Ogden, spent the night and delivered her the next day for a flight that actually arrived in Orange County!

Luggage was located in San Diego - flown to Orange County, everything there, although had a sticker that said he had been searched. I kept telling Monica it will be a great story in the future. Probably not now.

Monica was amazing. She managed a situation that most of us would have fallen apart in. She handled herself well and made very smart decisions. She really is amazing and I am very proud to call her my daughter. (She's probably not so proud to call me her mom, since I left her, but hopefully she'll forgive me!). She's probably saved all her receipts and I'll have to reimburse her for 'unplanned expenses'!!