Charlie - you just took me to Hawaii with you! What an epic journey. You’re more of a parent than I am. We go for seven days with our twins, from the west coast, and didn’t take them until they were five. And only one connecting flight.
“We get to go on ANOTHER flight!” What a great line and tells us so much about Sam. 👏
Your ability to reflect your trip from the perspective of you, Sam, and your kids was wonderful as a reader and so admirable as a fellow writer. It was seamless Charlie. Congratulations.
Last, one final quote: “We are the source of our own suffering.” - Dalai Lama.
Thank you so much, James. I'm definitely not more of a parent than you. In an earlier draft I wrote about my not-so great moment when Sam asked for help and I ignored him because I had to wipe the baby-snot-mixed-with-tears combo from my cheek and arm. It did not make the final cut because it didn't tie into the theme of being a better traveler because of my kids, but yea, I had lots of those moments.
Thanks, Emma. They really do. I love seeing the world through their eyes. The only other things that makes me feel as happy as watching them experience life is watching them eat real, healthy food. Five bites of chicken breast?? I'm falling off my chair.
After trips to Hawaii and France last year, with all of the annoyances and discomfort of modern travel (I think that Delta should call the second cabin Discomfort Less, rather than Comfort Plus), we were about to say no more. But your, and George's, fresh outlook are inspiring. I have a rather mundane trip tomorrow from Tampa to Boston, but I intend to adapt George's wisdom as a mantra, "Wow, I get to go on ANOTHER flight!"
Bless you heart. And I don't mean that sarcastically as I typically do. I have to give props to families that travel with toddlers because that in itself is a trip. I have no kids so I can travel free and clear. We stayed on Kauai several years ago and that luau sounds familiar. When they asked people to get up on stage to be taught how hula dance, I offered myself as one of a few tributes. So. Much. Fun. Mr. Ex and I got our pics taken with the dancers afterwards. Did you at least try the poi? I tried it, just to say I tried it, and was not a fan. I think it really is an acquired taste. LOL The island was beautiful, though. The excursions we went on were fun (can honestly say I don't like swimming in the middle of an ocean), but I can see how island fever would set in for those that are used to living in the city. Sounds like your family had a fabbity-fab time.
My daughter took her first plane ride when she was the wise old age of thirteen weeks. We flew by ourselves to meet my husband on the West Coast. She behaved well and slept during most of the flight. She has been a stellar traveler ever since!
I love this story, Charlie. For one, it brings me back... those long travel days with all THE STUFF, and of course the trips where the diaper bag runs out. I once made a mid-flight pair of emergency diapers for our daughter out of a burp cloth.
Hawaii, the travel home, the almost making it... and then barely making it in the end. I really felt it all, especially the suspense when the flight's circling. It's wonderful stuff.
Two favorite moments: “We get to go on ANOTHER flight!” and "This is an opportunity."
Oh if only all of us could see the world like George does!!
If only, Danielle!!
Charlie - you just took me to Hawaii with you! What an epic journey. You’re more of a parent than I am. We go for seven days with our twins, from the west coast, and didn’t take them until they were five. And only one connecting flight.
“We get to go on ANOTHER flight!” What a great line and tells us so much about Sam. 👏
Your ability to reflect your trip from the perspective of you, Sam, and your kids was wonderful as a reader and so admirable as a fellow writer. It was seamless Charlie. Congratulations.
Last, one final quote: “We are the source of our own suffering.” - Dalai Lama.
Thank you so much, James. I'm definitely not more of a parent than you. In an earlier draft I wrote about my not-so great moment when Sam asked for help and I ignored him because I had to wipe the baby-snot-mixed-with-tears combo from my cheek and arm. It did not make the final cut because it didn't tie into the theme of being a better traveler because of my kids, but yea, I had lots of those moments.
Teared up @ Sam can’t stop smiling. “Do you know how lucky we are?”
Haha awww. I know. He's the best!
Wow! 🤩 What a memorable experience.
Memorable indeed!
Kids really do have a way of finding the magic in the mundane. So great, Charlie!
Thanks, Emma. They really do. I love seeing the world through their eyes. The only other things that makes me feel as happy as watching them experience life is watching them eat real, healthy food. Five bites of chicken breast?? I'm falling off my chair.
After trips to Hawaii and France last year, with all of the annoyances and discomfort of modern travel (I think that Delta should call the second cabin Discomfort Less, rather than Comfort Plus), we were about to say no more. But your, and George's, fresh outlook are inspiring. I have a rather mundane trip tomorrow from Tampa to Boston, but I intend to adapt George's wisdom as a mantra, "Wow, I get to go on ANOTHER flight!"
Haha love this, Drake. I hope you had a safe and wonderful flight to Boston!
“Suffering is an opportunity to behave well.” Why didn't anybody tell me this before now! I have missed a LOT of opportunities to behave well.
Same, Rick. Same.
Bless you heart. And I don't mean that sarcastically as I typically do. I have to give props to families that travel with toddlers because that in itself is a trip. I have no kids so I can travel free and clear. We stayed on Kauai several years ago and that luau sounds familiar. When they asked people to get up on stage to be taught how hula dance, I offered myself as one of a few tributes. So. Much. Fun. Mr. Ex and I got our pics taken with the dancers afterwards. Did you at least try the poi? I tried it, just to say I tried it, and was not a fan. I think it really is an acquired taste. LOL The island was beautiful, though. The excursions we went on were fun (can honestly say I don't like swimming in the middle of an ocean), but I can see how island fever would set in for those that are used to living in the city. Sounds like your family had a fabbity-fab time.
My kids got a picture with the dancers afterward, too! They were so excited to stand with them.
I did not know about poi! I just looked it up. I don't think I would have tried it lol.
I need to channel George on my next flight: "I get to take a flight!"
Right?? Me too.
My daughter took her first plane ride when she was the wise old age of thirteen weeks. We flew by ourselves to meet my husband on the West Coast. She behaved well and slept during most of the flight. She has been a stellar traveler ever since!
Wow, 13 weeks! How wonderful that she slept through most of the flight. Guess the younger the better!
I love this story, Charlie. For one, it brings me back... those long travel days with all THE STUFF, and of course the trips where the diaper bag runs out. I once made a mid-flight pair of emergency diapers for our daughter out of a burp cloth.
Hawaii, the travel home, the almost making it... and then barely making it in the end. I really felt it all, especially the suspense when the flight's circling. It's wonderful stuff.
Two favorite moments: “We get to go on ANOTHER flight!” and "This is an opportunity."
Here's to the kids showing us the way.
Thank you so much, Rob. I just laughed out loud at the diaper made from burp cloths. I told my husband, too. He said, "That's genius."
Cheers to the kids showing us the way!