Blessings in Disguise

Enlarge Image Image Gallery A couple enjoys being upgraded to first class in "Trying Situation Taught Lesson on Patience." Brian Orr

Trying Situation Taught Lesson on Patience

My husband, John, and I began traveling by airplanes to different destinations in the 1970s. Hawaii was our first destination, and it became our favorite.

In 2006, we were once again on our way to beautiful Hawaii, using the last of our air miles. We had been looking forward to this trip for some time, figuring this would be the last time we would make the journey. However, our excitement soon turned to frustration, when, after a two-hour delay, we were told that due to a major problem, we would have to reschedule our flights.

While John checked out the other airlines, I got in line at the desk to book us on another flight, wondering if we should just cancel the trip instead. I was about the 80th person in line, and it seemed like I waited forever.

Finally, I was at the front of the line, and the woman at the desk informed me that we were booked on a new flight, but we would be making two stops in California before boarding a flight for Hawaii. "And, because of the trouble," she said, "we’re boarding you both on first class."

What a dream come true! We had always dreamed of flying first class.

When we boarded first class in San Francisco, we were ushered to comfortable reclining chairs, where we were received warm washcloths, hot tea and a fabulous meal. During the duration of our flight, we were waited on hand and foot.

What started out as a very trying situation eventually turned into a little piece of heaven for us. It also taught us another lesson on patience.

Doris - Hutchinson, Kansas

Saying Goodbye Meant Moving Forward

Fifteen years ago, we moved from our old neighborhood, and I was grief-stricken. We had lived in our home for 35 years, and I was not happy about moving.

The house was in dire need of repairs, and my husband said it would cost a bundle to fix it up. I knew he was right and that it would be wiser to invest in a nice, newer place, but I also knew it would be no easy task to leave our castle.

We began looking at houses, and each time we found one, I would find something wrong with it. Finally, after looking at a house three times, I knew this was the one my husband thought would be perfect for our family. As we drove away from the house after looking at it for the third time, I heard an inner voice that was clearly not my own say, "Elinor, go for it. One day you’ll be glad you did." So, I turned to my husband, gave him a forced smile, then agreed to the purchase of the house.

Now we had to get ready for the move – pack up all of our belongings and scrub down the entire house, as well as a million little things in between. What bothered me the most, though, was the thought of leaving the house where our children had grown up, where we had celebrated birthdays and holidays. We would be leaving all those memories behind. And our dear neighbors? How would I say goodbye? How could I say goodbye?