Decompressing

Here's the low-down of our trip home. (Boarded the first plane in Mpls about 8:45 A.M. on Saturday and were with Daddy at 8:30 P.M. on Sunday.
*over 5 hours on the tarmac just waiting
*mechanical problems
*multiple, numerous, too many too count...delays..The D Word
*broken airplane...as stated by pilot
*1-2 hour flight turned into 7 hours
*massive thunderstorms in Texas
*diverted for fuel to Austin
*in holding pattern over a couple of cities
*power outage at Dallas airport...hence more time on runway
*2 flight cancellations...The C Word
*HOURS at the service counter
*no cell-phone & out of quarters (never again)
*2 tired, wired, hungry, sweaty children ages 1 and 2
*out of diapers, wet wipes
*no change of clothes for any of us!
*stumbled upon nasty, dirty undies in our Mariott hotel room! ugh!!!!
*numerous check-in clerks messing up boarding passes
*multiple trips back and forth from security to ticket counter
*wandering aimlessly, paralyzed by indecision (and tears)
*overnight without any luggage and 2 children
*surprise visitor...sorry....but it adds to the drama!
*flying on Northwest, then Continental, then American, and finally Southwest
*what else can I say?

Now, the best part and the miracles that abounded amidst all of that...
*strangers/guardian angels that made us smile, lended a hand, carried Jaden when he couldn't walk any faster, held Jenna (yes! she has DEFINITELY gotten over her stranger thing), found diapers, pointed directions, shared snacks, etc.
*a man from Lubbock named Russ that will forever be our hero on Saturday for sticking with me for hours, carried Jaden, played with him while I stayed at the ticket counter, was willing to drive me(from Houston!), give me his seat, or whatever was needed, and when we finally parted, gave me the money in his pocket, his business card, and "demanded" I call him when I got home. He said he wouldn't feel ok, unless he had done all he could to see that I got home safely. (Call has been placed.)
*Alice at the Continental counter that worked hours trying to get me home on Saturday night to no avail. But did get a room for me and gave me explicit, simple directions that I could follow after a long day...and a hug...and some diapers. (A letter is being sent.) Numerous other clerks at that counter came and played with the kids, let Jaden call Daddy, and gave their support.
*Iraqui army trainer (nameless & also trying to get home for his month off) helped me get my little clan safely into the hotel. And made me smile and think outside myself for a short while.
*Caring flight attendants who handed out extra vouchers and treats for the kids.
*Skilled pilots that flew us through some lightning and got us safely to the ground...and finally home!!!! NOT to San Antonio! They were kidding. But it would have completed my Tour de Texas.
*Ann from Baton Rouge, trying to get from Dallas to Lubbock to help her son settle his new home. She found me at the phones, called a taxi, brought me to Uptown Dallas? for the afternoon. Quite swanky. Went out and bought diapers, wet wipes, fed the kiddos, called another taxi to bring us to a different airport. Helped with the fiascos there. And saw us to the finish-line....Daddy!
*And last but not least..thanks to Jeff and Dad/John for staying glued to computers and phones trying to find out where we were, what we needed, and how to get it to us. I don't know how to thank you. What a Father's Day for the both of you. I guess Jaden summed it up when we made it by shouting at the top of his lungs to everyone, "Dadda, I found my Dadda!!!!" And then proceeded to call him Grandpa the whole way home!