My husband and I are preparing to take a trip to Florida with five of our thirteen grandchildren. We are driving because the kids aged 8, 11, 11, 12 and 14 want to actually see all of the states, not just fly over them. When we planned this trip last year it was going to be a surprise for my parents who live in Florida. Originally the plan was to bring all five of our kids, their spouses and all of the grandkids.
The logistics were a nightmare but we pressed on with the plans.
When I was a seven-year-old, first grader at Saint Christopher’s in Northeast Philadelphia, my father worked for Eastern Airlines. He was the VIP Representative which basically meant he had drinks all day with people the airline deemed important enough to smooze.
My father was so proud of me for getting straight A’s on my report card. The next day he put me in his MG and took me to a children’s clothing store. With the help of a young saleswoman, we picked out a sleeveless pink and white seersucker dress. The woman suggested a white hat with a pink bow, pink ruffled socks, white patent leather shoes and a small white pocketbook to match. When Dad added a bathing suit I was confused.
I was even more confused when I left the store wearing my new bathing suit underneath of the new dress. An hour later I was sitting in a first class window seat being served a Shirley Temple with extra cherries.
Seated next to me, sipping on a Chivas Regal, Dad explained he was taking me to Ft. Lauderdale for the day, as a reward for my perfect report card. We spent the afternoon on the beach, had dinner at a fancy outdoor restaurant where I chased geckos and begged Dad to catch two of them and let me take them home. He laughed and said they could not live in Philadelphia because of our cold winters.
Shortly after take- off on the return flight, the flight attendant took me into the cockpit. The pilots let me ‘fly’ the plane. The Captain gave me a set of gold plated wings (not the plastic ones) and told me to go back to my seat because he had a surprise for me. The surprise was a spectacular light show provided by the Gemini VI Rocket that was launched from the Kennedy Space Center.
After seeing the rocket, the flight attendant handed me a little pillow and a soft blanket. I fell asleep.
When I woke up, I was back in Philadelphia in my father’s arms. I was so cold and in a lot of pain. I was as red as a lobster. It was painful to have my dad hold me so I walked. My brand new patent leather shoes pinched my sunburned feet tighter with each step.
I remember feeling sad that night because whenever our family went on vacation we had to get dressed up and fly everywhere. It always meant there would be a lot of walking and a lot of hurrying up to wait. I thought about how lucky my friend’s were because all they had to do was get into their cars and get out at the Jersey Shore. I would sit on my front porch and watch our neighbors load up their station wagon with toys, bags of food, clothes and smiling kids.
My husband and I have been spending family weeks on the beach in New Jersey with our kids and grandkids for the last eight-years.
This year I wanted the kids to experience another view of the Atlantic Ocean and I felt a strong need for them to connect with my father, on his turf.
My father got sick in December. I flew down to be with him and my Mother. He passed away in January. On the flight home there was a man sitting next to me drinking Chivas Regal.
Our family reunion trip fell all to pieces but the seven, possibly eight of us that are headed down I-95 South in a few weeks are excited. I will be feeling like an excited seven-year-old kid as we load the monster SUV with food, clothes and children.
My face will be wearing a big smile but I know every time I look up at the sky and see an airplane, I will miss my Dad.
23 thoughts on “Fly the friendly Skies…”
I am so sorry about the great loss of your father. He sounds like such an incredibly loving man and a wonderful dad. What a great experience you had flying with him! Awesome.
Safe travels. You are creating magical memories for you and your grandchildren.
I didn’t realize or appreciate how blessed I was to travel the way I did. Those were the days.
What wonderful memories, Doreen. I’m sorry your dad won’t be there to see you and your grandkids on a trip they will remember forever. Have a fabulous time!!
Thank you! I’m not sure who is more excited, my mom, the kids or me lol.
I remember my first family trip to Florida like it was yesterday. Little details and all. It was summer, also, and before a/c was standard in cars. OMG! Safe journey to you all. Make some good memories!
How did we ever live without AC??
I am really looking forward to getting my mom to smile a bit.
I totally want your childhood. LOVED this post. Great last line.
Thank you Roz. I didn’t always appreciate what I had back then but I sure do no.
I’m so sorry about your dad, Doreen. He sounds like he was an amazing father who gave you some great experiences – and memories. Enjoy your trip with your grandkids. They are lucky to have you.
Thank you Lois. He was something and that was only the first of many amazing trips with him. I just had to get those A’s:)
When you mentioned the guy on the plane sipping Chevis, the hair on the back of my neck stood up! What an incredibly powerful reminder and gift. I do get it that the world is sorry for our losses but I (and I am starting to believe you share this) and gratified by the imprint your dad left on your heart — so strong an imprint that it shows up in the craziest places. So how do we say that, Doreen? I am happy for what you learned or experienced? Not quite there is it?
Beautifully written, heart warming piece! Thank you!
I made my hair stand up too. I am missing him yet I feel him everywhere. Thank you so much Ruth.
Both sad and endearing.
I hope you have a fun and safe trip!
Thank you so much Loni.
What a lovely post. I can only imagine how special you must have felt to fly first class to Florida for the day. I can’t wait to hear about your upcoming road trip.
Thank you, Helene. I am really looking forward to seeing my Mom smile with the kids.
Such a lovely story, Doreen. I loved the picture of you and your Dad too.
I hope both of you and the grandchildren have a lovely trip! ♥
Thank you Corinne. I miss him.
I love spending time with my grandchildren. Have fun!
Thank you Janie, I cannot wait!
What an amazing memory of a special time with your dad. I know your grandchildren will hold onto the memories you’re about to make with them forever. Have a great time.
Thank you so much, Karen.
What a wonderful tribute to your Father. He loved you very much and so do I. I only wish your Father and I could have had more years together. I am very grateful that we had 37 wonderful years. I am also grateful to have you as a daughter. The one I never would have had if I had not met the man of my dreams. We will have a great time this coming week and I hope many times to come in the future. Have a safe trip. I will talk to you many times on your way. Love to You ,John and all those wonderful children that I will get to spend time with. See you on Saturday….Love, Mom