O’Hare Airport: The Ultimate Test of Patience, Part 3

(Click to read Part 1: The Scramble, or Part 2: Cot City!)

One pair of our travel buddies from Eau Claire, who were going to the same conference we were, were not fortunate enough to actually make it to Hilton Head.  They turned back home after their 3rd connecting flight from Houston fell through (don’t ask).  Nevertheless, Bobbi wrote about her blessings on her Facebook wall, which got me to thinking about my many blessings. So the morning after we arrived I made my own list of things to be thankful for. (Thank you Bobbi, for reminding me to be thankful.)

• Got to get to know—and bond—with Jeanne, a fellow traveler. What a wonderful person.
• Some awesome, patient, hardworking airline folks, especially Jill and Lon with United Airlines.
• Kate from the Westin, who kept our room ready for us, despite >24 hour delays.
• Two crosswords finished with my husband.
• Our luggage came on our airplane!!!
• My knees and other joints didn’t bother me [always a concern as I gather a few more years], despite tromping from one end of the airport to the other and back again a few times.
• Exercise.
• The inner peace and calm I enjoyed almost the entire travel time.
• My husband’s company, and great care for us.
• The great sense of humor of fellow travelers, which helped make the long delays more tolerable.
• Much to laugh about.
• The commitment to safety of the FAA, airlines, and airport staff, despite much pressure from us road-weary travelers.
• My own toothbrush, toothpaste and a change of clothes with me.
• Carryon bags with wheels!
• A book on my kindle.
• Chargers for computer and phone, and a place to plug them in.
• A great night’s sleep in cot city–thanks to earplugs, a sleeping pill, and my husband-protector, even though we were awoken by a guard at 4am and told to “move along.” (Is this what a homeless person feels like?)
• I am not a homeless person.
• An oceanfront room at a gorgeous hotel.
• Low country shrimp and grits for supper first night, courtesy of Becky and her company.
• Great conversation at dinner, and of course an audience to share our travel saga with.
• A shower, a comfortable bed, and privacy.
• The drum of ocean waves as we slept.
• Room service breakfast.
• A quiet day to rest.

When did you give thanks in a difficult situation? Leave your replies below!

Click here to read O’Hare Airport: The Ultimate Test of Patience Part Four – Worth the Wait!

By Lydia Floren