Recap - Part II

So a quick catch-up.  We had arrived at the airport, checked-in and cleared security when we noticed our flight was delayed.

First of all let me say that I haven't not flown very often, and when I have flown Tom has been with me.  If there have ever been problems, he was the one to take care of them.  After all, I am the mommy and someone had to tend to the children! ;-)

After noticing the delayed departure time, I went to the nearest gate with an actual person working.  Of course our United gate had NO ONE around,  ugh!  The ticket agent for American Airlines was very helpful.  She told me the latest information she had regarding flights in/out of Chicago (their flight for Chicago was boarding at this time) which was not good.  She told me I would have to go back out through security, to the ticket/check-in desk downstairs and talk with an agent.  I decided to leave Ty & Beth at the gate, one because I didn't want them to have to cart everything back out and go through security again if I didn't have to, and two because I wanted someone at the gate to see/hear what was going on there.

Once I hoofed my way to the counter, much to my chagrin, there was quite a line!  It seemed as though everyone had waited until the last minute to check-in for this flight to Chicago.  Standing in line, I was able to get a better feel for what I was up against.  The flight was delayed because Chicago was having terrible weather and not many planes were being landed or cleared for take-off.  When my turn finally arrived, I was not feeling too optimistic.  But thankfully, God had other things in mind.

When I first arrived in line, there were three ticket agents working, two men and a woman.  Just through observation, I was hoping to get the woman, she seemed to be the most helpful.  Well, while I stood in line, one man had to leave to help with a plane that landed and the other (younger) man had a few "easy" check-ins, guess who I got.  Yup, you guessed it, the younger guy, the woman was having issues with an international flight.  I told him my dilemma and asked what he suggested I do.  His first question to me was, "Do you have to get to your destination today?"  Of course I said yes! After all, we were all packed and at the airport plus I needed to get to SD to be there when my ride left for NY and home!  He immediately checked his computer to see who would have flights and then got on the phone to find out availability.  He worked his "magic" (read: God's plan was put into place) and secured 3 (the last ones out of SYR) seats on the last flight on Northwest Airlines.  I was relieved and extremely grateful.

P.S. I arrived home this afternoon and will continue the story in parts.  It is way too long for one post!  Thank you for all your prayers!