From Inside the Zoo Walls: January 2009

My best friend Ashley lives in Helena, AL or Alabama Helena as her daughter Emma calls it. Back in December 2008 I had just gotten to the point of missing her terribly that I contacted her husband Phillip and told him I wanted to plan a surprise trip to come see her. To which he emailed me back just as excited as I was and said that's a great idea, she needs time with her BFF. So together we picked a weekend and a time I should fly in. I was scheduled to arrive at 10:20 AM, he'd pick me up from the airport and then we were going to meet Ashley for lunch. We had it all planned out and were excited to see our plan unfold. Unfortunately it didn't play out like we had planned because my plane was delayed out of Tampa... Yes, SWA flew me south from Jax to Tampa, only to go north again to Birmingham.... I didn't get it either.

I arrived in Tampa and discovered my plane was not leaving at the intended time of 9:50 because of de-icing issues in Orlando, where the plane was coming from. I'm sure that is because Orlando doesn't know how to de-ice an airplane. Who knows if they even have the proper equipment. I have visions of them standing out with blow dryers and chisels because ice in Florida is not normal (at least not that far south). So much to my dismay I would have to wait for the plane that was going from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale and then to us. At which point we weren't leaving FL until 11:30 and scheduled to arrive in AL at 12 and Phillip would be in a meeting at that point. So my gig was up - she knew I was coming but it was still cool we kept it a secret until that day. You have no idea how many times I almost slipped during phone conversations and said "okay, see you in a few weeks or days." I wanted it to be so much of a surprise that I didn't want to turn my out of office on for my work email because what if she happened to email me that morning then she'd figure out it was me. Because she's a smart cookie and knew something was up. Poor Phillip played a game of 20, 30, or maybe 50 questions with her the night before.... :)))

BUT I will say one thing, if I was delayed for nothing more than this next story I will be forever touched. About 9:45 a mans voice came over the PA of the airport and said a plane full of soldiers from Iraq will be coming in at gate C35 around 10:00 and if anyone wanted to come down and welcome them home please head down there. Well I was at gate C38 so I decided that I didn't want to miss that opportunity. Words cannot begin to describe the sight and sound of terminal C35 when the first soldier walked off the airplane. Family, friends, and strangers all awaiting their arrival began clapping, cheering, and crying for these men and woman, young and old, coming home after serving our great country. People were shaking hands and saluting then and thanking them for their service and their honor.... I tell you to stand there and not cry was so hard for me. I almost bit a hole in my lip. I just knew that if one tear fell that would be it and the flood gates would open. I just stood there smiling, watery eyes, and thanking God for their safe return. Especially for the ones who had little children waiting for them - talk about tugging at the heart strings!

I finally arrived in Birmingham around 12 or so that afternoon and we had such a great time together. I don't think I realized how much I needed to see her until I saw her. It's been awhile since the two of us have had time together and I know it was much needed on both sides. The friendship I share with Ash is so special to me. We have a unique thing that bonds us so very tightly together, and although it's not a 'cool' thing to have - it's cool we both share it because we can share in our struggles and rejoice in our blessings. And our friendship is just so much more than that. She has been such a blessing in my life, someone who has supported me no matter what, picked me up off the floor, but also brings reality to my life when I lose site of it, and been a solid Christian friend. I just love her!!! And so does everyone else that meets her because of her unselfishness and loving spirit.

I had a great time spending time with Emma and Phillip too. They are the cutest family and so much fun to be around. Emma - you are growing up too fast and you have the funniest personality. You have such a sassy but sweet way about you. You looooooove other kids and want them to all be your friend. I pray that quality is never squashed. You are at such a fun age too where you either want to do it yourself or you want to help do something. It's sweet to watch how you interact with your mommy and daddy. Phillip thank you for helping me plan the trip and letting me crash your weekend. And for giving Ashley and I time on Saturday to go to the movie. You have been such a good husband and friend to her.

I already miss you guys like crazy and wish I was back there again. Let me know if anymore houses go for sale in the neighborhood that are close to you... :)))
Love you guys!!!

Me and Emma