En Route

The Zurich airport is a ghost town (the lines at Passport Control and security were nil; there are only three other people at my gate), and my flight from San Fransisco was early, so I have time: just under an hour here at my gate till boarding begins for the flight to Berlin. I have said goodbye to my charming traveling companions, the Schmitts—our seats weren’t close enough that we could really chat on the plane, but we enjoyed visiting while we were waiting at our gates and walking through the airports together. I like the companionableness of starting out on our grand new adventures together. Different adventures, but starting from the same home in Washington and traveling along the same road for a time. And hopefully our paths will cross again while we’re both in Europe!

Yesterday morning I said my last goodbyes to Dad and Mom. We started the day with our usual granola breakfast and a prayer time that was rather more wet about the eyes than usual (but very sweet, and good to let out a little of what we were feeling). Then I wanted to wash my car, my sheets, my bathroom, and I also had the job of fitting the stacks of stuff lining my bedroom into two suitcases and a small backpack. I had success . . . sort of. I did leave a pile of winter things in my closet to fetch when I’m home in September. Mom sat by and lent her advice or her eye or her arm to help me decide what to put in next or get a zipper closed. And to be with me, of course. Nice. Dad and I washed cars together. Then it was time for a quick lunch and we headed to the airport.

We made one stop on the way there, and as we headed into Fred Meyer, Mom said, “I just feel like I want to get something for you to take with you so you’ll remember me.” We both knew there was no more room in my suitcase, and what would she get, anyway? But as we were leaving the store, she had an inspiration. “Hey, let’s see if my ring fits you and you could take that with you!” she said, slipping off a ring she’d purchased at Pike Place Market on one of her last visits to the bakery before I stopped working there. She slid it onto my finger and said, “Do you want to take it with you?” I almost said, “I don’t need to take it form you!” when I realized that what I really wanted and what she really wanted were the same. So I said, “Yes, I’d love to!” And it’s perfect; I see it all the time and it is like a secret link to her. It will remind me to pray for her, and of her love and prayers for me.

So, it is good to be where I am. It will be even better when I am in my new home, greeting my new family. And with a night of rest behind me, it will be amazing!