Waiting for a plane

I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my sisters' flight to arrive (three hours late) trying to get into the holiday spirit. Spending three hours at the airport waiting on a plane is not the most glorious time. After devouring ice cream (way too expensive) buying Florida nick nacks and pacing the floors I plopped my weary body down next to Gate E. There was a family singing Christmas carols holding signs and a group of people standing really close to the gate with lots of loud voices. I listened and saw an amazing act.

My heart melted into a puddle of pudding - right there by Gate E.
I saw people holding 'Welcome Home' signs, kids and adults waving American flags and retired men in military dress saluting military individuals coming through the gate.

The retired personnel announced the branch of service the individual was in and shouted 'Welcome Home'. Then all the onlookers clapped. It was awesome.

A young injured army man walked down the aisle of Gate E leaning on his cane. This is when my puddle became a roaring river. The clapping and cheering boomed inside the busy airport lounge. My heart turned over with admiration and relief - they are home. The waiting no longer seemed boring and unproductive.

Thankful

Hubby and I spent Thanksgiving week at Sigsby in the R.V. park - the military base in Key West. My second oldest brother spends his winter life nestled among the throng of other snowbirds at this awesome park. The park sits right on the water at the end of the base. Total seclusion and quiet is what this place is all about. Well, not exactly. The residents or snowbirds who put down their awnings at the military base are quite a collection of individuals.

They come from all parts of the U.S. and all branches of the military. What they seem to have in common is their fellowship and giving attitudes. If one needs help setting up camp their is always a helping hand. Camaraderie at its finest. It's an amazing sight to witness - especially with all the selfishness surrounding our everyday lives. It felt good to be amongst people who cared.

On Thanksgiving Day we were guest to an enormous feast put on by the MWR. The only contribution was a dish to pass. We ate outside under a huge tent as the rain first misted and then poured down to earth. The company was interesting and ever so friendly. I was still in my impressed mode. 'Why can't we all just get along.'
Our holiday week was a true life experience being thankful for what we have and what we can pass along.