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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Predicament (03/01/12)
It was time to leave. A friend was waiting to drive us to the airport, and there was a raging snowstorm outside.

“Did you take your pills?” my husband asked with a bit of concern in his voice.

This was not the first time I’d ever flown, but I was not a peaceful flyer. It was only from Boston to Florida: Two ‘coffee, tea or me’ breaks and one meal and we’d be there. Friends tried to speak sense to my cowardly heart. “Thousands of travelers fly hundreds of miles every day without incident.” They’d remind me. I’d think, “But what about the incidents that did occur?”

Spiritual friends would say, “Nothing can happen to you unless Father God permits it.”
Not much comfort in this truth. I’d think, “But what if it’s the pilot’s time to go? He’s not leaving without taking a few of us with him.”

But the goals and gains of a trip were worthwhile: We’d have visits with sons and special friends; we’d have fun as sightseerers; we’d find Springtime’ in the midst of a cold, grey New England winter.

“I didn’t hear you, did you take your pills.” He asked again a bit impatiently.

This is the 21st century, after all, and doctors have a pill for everything. So I looked to our family doctor for an answer. “Take one of these before you go to bed and one when you get up.” He directed.

“Yes, I’ve taken the pills.” I lovingly bellowed. “Let’s go.”

Did I tell you we were having a snowstorm? Since it was 4am. traffic was light. The men talked back and forth between themselves while I stared out the window, convinced that this was not going to be a good trip. We said our goodbyes at Logan and deposited our luggage.

It seemed that we waited an eternity for the call to board the plane. As usual, my mind contemplated the morning headlines and the well being of our beloved dog we were leaving behind. I remembered the other pill I had to take. You see, I have a problem with motion sickness and sometime take a pill for it. Surely, flying in a bouncing airplane in the middle of a storm warranted a pill! Now for the fourth time I needed to use the Ladies Room. By the time we got back to our seats it was time to board the plane.

We settled into our seats and I immediately strapped myself in. I wondered to myself if this was really the smartest move. Now I was assured that wherever the pilot went, I was going too. After awhile a stewardess passed by us and noticed that I was trying to get comfortable…or maybe she saw my eyes. “Let me put the seat back for you,” as she reached for the button on my seat. “Would you like a pillow and a cover for your shoulders?” It was a little chilly…

My husband was the one who later refreshed my mind. I never realized how long we were on the tarmac or that our wings needed deicing several times. I didn’t know we were the last plane out of Logan or when we were airborne. I vaguely recall being brought a meal and being told that since the plane was almost empty we could sit where we wanted. I’m told I fell asleep while eating and finally curled up on some neighboring seats.

“If the plane had ever gone down,” my husband reported, “I would never have been able to wake you up.” My mind asked, “Would that really have been so bad?”

We landed on time without incident, unless the stewardess and the pilot thought it strange that a gruff-looking man was leading a disheveled woman from the plane as she called back, “Thank you and goodnight.”

We waited in the terminal for our son to find us. “What did you do to mom?” my son asked. “Just take her arm and help me get her out of here. I’ll explain later.” My husband responded.

The next morning when I awoke, I was amazed to find the flight had gone so well. It seemed to me that a nice lady had just covered me up and put the lights out…
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This article has been read 792 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
03/09/12
Thank you for sharing this story. I can relate to "flying" not a fan of it. In fact petrified of it. But, God is in control at all times.

Good job with this...On topic and well written.

God Bless~
Mildred Sheldon
03/09/12
I enjoyed this and I can sympathize with mom. Thank you for sharing and God bless.
Donna Wilcher
03/10/12

I so relate to your MC. I used to love flying, not so much these days.

I was a little confused by all the ".." marks. I couldn't tell whether she was talking or thinking. I know it's hard when you're not able to use italics in the challenges. Maybe showing and not telling more would have helped?

Loved the ending...just sleep through the predicament! Great idea
Danielle King 
03/11/12
On the odd occasions that I've flown I've had my nose pressed against the window so I don't miss anything. I love the excitement of taking off. I enjoyed your story, it fit the topic and flowed well. (Like the aeroplane!)
Verna Cole Mitchell 
03/11/12
I enjoyed reading how your "predicament" turned out. It wasn't such a bad trip after all with a few pills ahead of time!
Allen Povenmire
03/12/12
Very enjoyable reading. anyone who doesn't care for flying would certainly relate. One little detail that stuck out in my mind as a flying semi-veteran was the stewardess offering to let the MC's seat back before takeoff. Every flight I've ever been on that would've been a no-no!
"Put your tray table up, and your seat back in the upright position..."

Cheryl von Drehle
03/13/12
LOL -- I think you take the same pills I do before I fly. Yes, moving the seat back was a little out of order...happens well after takeoff. On the other hand, that is what medication does..distorts timelines. Well written and excellent ending.
Laura Manley
03/13/12
I love the outcome of this story! I don't know if it's true, but I am one of those people who hates flying so much that I haven't seen the "friendly skies" since my daughter was a baby. She turns 41 next month! The way you describe the MC in this story is the only way I would fly today. I just told a friend the other day that nothing is so important for me to have to fly! Anyway, I want to tell you how very much I enjoyed your entry. It read smoothly from the beginning and it seemed to have just the amount of dialogue in it. Good story!
Amanda Brogan
03/14/12
I enjoyed your easy humor and had to laugh and nod my head at the MC's mental objections to flying. I especially liked the "what if" about the pilot's time to go. :)
Sounds like some worries that I would come up with, only I'm more frightened of boats than airplanes.

Great story, and nicely written!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/16/12
Congratulations for placing 6th in level two!