Making choices on your journey

My 3pm flight on American Airlines (AA) was delayed. My itinerary was Columbus-Chicago-Brussels-final destination. The new scheduled take off time was 4pm, though we eventually took off at 4.30pm. Before take off, I wasn’t so sure I will be able to catch the connecting flight so I called AA on their 1-800 number. They gave me two options: take the delayed flight, and if I miss the Chicago connecting flight I could board the 9pm flight through London to Brussels, thereby missing the connecting flight from Brussels home. Or, go home, reschedule the entire journey.

When I questioned the AA agent whose responsibility it was to reschedule the SN Brussels lap of my journey, she wasn’t quite sure so I decided to take the first option. Besides I wasn’t so sure under whose responsibility I will be when I get to Brussels since AA would already have fulfilled its part of the journey.


As the plane took off, I looked down and admired the incredible Columbus skyline. The nimbus clouds were striking. Sometimes you appreciate the clouds better from a higher altitude or when watching on TV.

As we were almost getting into Chicago, I looked through the window and saw large fields covered in snow. With the sun at a nightfall angle, the view was heavenly. I realized how exquisite snow can be in spite of the lower temperatures that come with it. I saw the road network, curving around in some areas like a large anaconda, or better still, spaghetti-like intersections. Flying high also gives you a perspective of the distance between the sky and the clouds. Sometimes I wonder if the sky is really blue. Or is it just a reflection of the massive seas? Almost in Chicago, I looked hard, hoping to see the home of US president Barack Obama, am sure you are laughing right now!

As I reached the airport in Chicago, I hit the ground running. I didn't have to miss this flight, I kept telling myself. I ran like my life depended on it. With a ruck rug sack laptop bag on my back, my handbag on one hand and pulling along my hand-luggage, hmm, I really had to catch the next flight! Other passengers were surely looking at me and thinking, "Why does she have to run so hard"? You are about to find out why.

As I approached the boarding gate, I looked at the screen and the following words shouted out at me "Boarding closed"! I saw a flight attendant about to answer a ringing phone at the desk. In my heart I was hoping he will attend to me rather than answer the phone. But hey, duty calls. He picked up the phone, mumbled a few words, then turned to me asking: “Are you Patience?” Good heavens! “Yes, yes, that’s me" I said, panting from the marathon walk. He immediately made a mayday requesting flight AA88 of American Airlines to hold for the last passenger –that was me!

I used to see passengers who were the last to board. I never imagined one day it would be me. I made it. Yes I did. The Universe had just rearranged itself in my favour!

As I sat down, I wondered why we can't trust that all will be well until we realise that to trust is to believe in the things hoped for, that which we can't see in the present moment. Thank you God for once more giving me the chance to trust in infinite possibilities.