Harmon's Haven

Meet amazing dad Robbie, mother-in-training Jesika, 7 year old best big sister Bree, 5 year old boy in every way Gabe, 3 year old who thinks he's 10 years old who makes us all laugh McKay,
and 9 month old sweetest Quinn Marie...the Harmon Family!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Thank you Northwest Airlines!!

I had to share one of the neatest things that has happened to me. This past week Bree and I flew back to North Carolina. Robbie drove back (poor thing) our car and some belongings two weeks earlier to get back for school...I don't know what in the world we were thinking having me stay an extra TWO weeks, but we are NEVER doing that again. It was way too long. Bree started thinking she could only see daddy on the computer! We left for SLC around 9:30 AM, then flew the first leg to Detroit. Though Bree didn't sleep a wink until the plane landed in Detriot (literally as we hit the run-way her eyes shut!), she was very good thanks to the games and books Grandma Robin sent us with! (Seriously Robin you were a LIFE-SAVER!!) We had a four hour lay-over in Detriot which was long, but they had play places and moving side-walks so I knew Bree would be entertained. Well, after an hour we found a neat water fountain and Bree got so excited. It was fun to look at until Bree thought she was at a water park and got her shirt completely soaked! Since I forgot to bring an extra outfit I thought it best we leave the water park. I went to check where our gate was but found it wasn't posted yet, being still three hours away from departure time. Bree was getting a bit cranky at this point because of not having a nap so I went to an information desk just to find our gate so that we could be in the correct terminal while we were waiting. I inquired and the man asked for my ticket. He looked at his computer and as he sighed he said, "Looks like your flight is going to be delayed." Yup, I lost it. I just started bawling. We already weren't going to be home until 11 PM and now it was going to be later! A longer wait in the airport and a longer wait to see my husband!! I tried to turn away so he wouldn't see the tears but he said, "I see you have a middle seat, let me move you to the window." I muttered a small thank you, just trying to stop crying. As he handed me my new boarding pass he said, "And here are three $5 meal vouchers for your wait. I have traveled with our three year old. I know what it's like." Honestly I had never had an airport meal voucher and thought, Thanks, but what am I going to want to eat on the plane at midnight?! Still I said thank you and was grateful for his kindness. As I walked away I just couldn't stop crying, thinking of being away from Robbie for that much longer and having to entertain a tired child in the airport for FOUR MORE hours!
Well, we found some empty aisles off to the side and I gave Bree some candy, told her to run to the window and I called Robbie. He of course was totally positive and told me that the time would go by quickly :) and then I mentioned the meal vouchers and he said, "How neat!" I replied my same ungrateful thought from earlier and he told me that actually the vouchers could be used anywhere in the airport! Wow! That lifted my spirits and Bree and I went to find something good to eat. Then, while on our way, Bree fell asleep in the stroller! I had some time to relax, enjoy some food, and even watch the news on the airport screens (that's when I wished I had a book, but I learned that when traveling with a child books only take up space cause I never get to read!). Bree didn't sleep long, but the rest of the time went quickly and soon we were getting on the plane. I looked at my seat number and it said 1D. I walked down the aisle and realized that the numbers started at 5A? So I walked to the back of the plane thinking perhaps the numbers started over, but when they didn't I asked the flight attendent and she said, "Oh that's first class." WHAT? That sweet man at the information desk not only gave me some food vouchers but moved me to first class!! I couldn't believe it. I wanted so badly to run and thank him but there was no way. The front row had so much room that Bree could stand in front of me and play...she didn't sleep again (and it was 11 PM!), but it was ok because she was so good! The sweet man next to us was a grandpa and he and Bree "talked on the phone" during much of the flight :) He with his phone to his ear and her with her play phone. It was so cute! Needless to say I am more then grateful for that dear man at the information desk and have prayed for him many times. Someday I hope that I can pay that kindness forward, because boy did it save me that day!

13 comments:

Bill, Kristin, Will and Kayla said...

What a crazy experience! I am so glad that everything worked out, and I am so jealous that you got to fly first class. Oh well, maybe someday, right?

Melissa said...

I feel your pain! There is nothing worse than being ungreatful and then finding out it was greatest blessing! I'm sure he knows how happy he made you! That is so nice! You never hear that happening at airports! You are blessed! :)

Natalie said...

Oh airports can be so frustrating! How nice to find someone with some compassion to help you out and lift your spirits. What a great story.

leslie said...

hey guys! sounds like the trip back to north carolina was an eventful one! congrats on the boy! i'm so excited for you. we did one of the 3d ultrasounds with allie and it was the coolest thing. totally worth the money to do it. people say it's even cooler when you're almost full term. i was going to do it, but wanted to be surprised as to what she was going to look like. now that you know you guys make cute babies maybe you can do it and tell me how it is:) it was fun to hang out this summer. next time you're visiting family give us a call.

Ashley said...

Jes - You are too funny! Tears really? Come on, there had to be a dance rehearsal schedule harder than that...just wait til you have two! And then travel Philadelphia to Atlanta and then to Portland(OR) 10-12 hours combined. The price we pay as mothers to visit family. Bree is a doll. It has been way too long. Hope to hear from you.
Ashley

OurHappyFamily said...

Thanks for that story (you poor thing though)! What a good reminder... I love how that man didn't say anything to you about first class, he let you find out on your own!

So happy you are all together again! You're stonger than me... Curt goes on recruiting trips all the time (they are only 1-2 day trips) and I have a hard time! I'm getting better though!

Dianna said...

Hey Jesika! I just found your family blog and I was so impressed by this story. Thanks for sharing! What a huge blessing that must have been. I'm also so excited for your boy coming soon. What a blessing to have another Harmon in the world!

Cara said...

Oh man I would have been crying too! I totally feel for you, it's so hard to entertain toddlers in places like that. An extra 4 hours would have done me in! You are a trooper, and what a nice man! I'm glad you're home safe and sound now!

Kelly said...

I'm so glad you shared that story. It totally brings back memories of my days working at SkyWest and flying all the time. There were a couple of times I was delayed from being back with Casey and it was miserable! I didn't even have a toddler to care for and I would cry :) What a nice surprise to get first class - can't beat that but how frustrating that you couldn't give a proper thank you!

I am so excited that you're having a baby! I figured it would be happening soon :) I'm a ticking time bomb right now and can't wait to have number 2! Good luck with everything!!!

Rivera Family said...

This story made me cry. The Lord really does know our needs. Sure love ya.

Bryan, Mary, Abby & Lorin said...

I decided I hate travelling alone with a small child. It's hard work, and I'm so proud of you! Northwest was great to me a couple days ago as well. Long story short, my car seat didn't arrive, so they gave me a new car seat to use right away and forever - even if my seat didn't come. I was very thankful.

Anyway, congratulations on the new addition!! That's so great. So they will be almost exactly 2 years apart, right? Congratulations!

Much love,
Mary

Bryan, Mary, Abby & Lorin said...

I decided I hate travelling alone with a small child. It's hard work, and I'm so proud of you! Northwest was great to me a couple days ago as well. Long story short, my car seat didn't arrive, so they gave me a new car seat to use right away and forever - even if my seat didn't come. I was very thankful.

Anyway, congratulations on the new addition!! That's so great. So they will be almost exactly 2 years apart, right? Congratulations!

Much love,
Mary

Jason and Lisa Bartholomew - said...

Wow Jes I am totally crying over your story. Thank you for sharing it! I too have traveled alone with children and how nice of that man to help you. Thank you for sharing your story!