Saturday morning, July 3. Our 17 year wedding anniversary. Maddi and I arrive at the airport with Nonna and Nonno with plenty of time to leisurely check in, find wheelchair assistance, go through security, eat a snack, and use the restroom before pre-boarding the plane. All goes well. I'm very pleased with myself, having navigated all of us to Gate 2 with no glitches, when my phone rings. It's my mom, who chauffeured us to the airport. "You forgot Maria and Mario's carry-on bags in my trunk. I'm driving back right now and will meet you outside." Maddi and I shuffle our way back outside, grab their grey circa 1960's TWA bags and two Costco loaves of
pecorino romano cheese in a plastic grocery bag (Italians love their cheese), kiss my mom goodbye and run for the security line. Twenty minutes to pre-board! A security officer assures me we will make it through the line with time to spare. She was right. But there was one problem. I didn't preview the bags and had no idea what they contained. As soon as they were on the x-ray belt I became suspect number one. "Please step this way, ma'am. I'm going to have to screen these bags." Airport rule #13: never say, "No, these aren't my bags.....sort of.....I mean......I'm bringing them in for someone else. I have no idea what's in them". This only causes more raised eyebrows and deeper searching. Poor Maddi was so stressed out at this point she began to cry. I think that made us look more suspicious. 5 minutes to pre-board. I was sweating and laughing nervously as Mr. Security Man pulled out one pair of sharp scissors, then another, bigger pair of scissors, then a third, even bigger pair of scissors. After that came the giant sized toothpaste tube, knitting needles, more jumbo cream tubes and a large plastic water bottle. Next TWA bag: more cream tubes and the piece de resistance........two pocket knives. I just about fell over. My nervous laughter was intertwined with very quick prayers "Please Lord, make it stop." I explained my situation to Mr. Security Man as best I could, who, after trashing most of the items and rescanning both bags, gave me the "all clear". Maddi and I ran to the gate with one minute to spare. Of course, we both showed up looking completely unscathed, happy, calm and ready to board the plane. We promised not to mention anything to either grandparent, besides a polite, "Sorry they had to take a few of your items out." Let's keep it that way.
pecorino romano cheese in a plastic grocery bag (Italians love their cheese), kiss my mom goodbye and run for the security line. Twenty minutes to pre-board! A security officer assures me we will make it through the line with time to spare. She was right. But there was one problem. I didn't preview the bags and had no idea what they contained. As soon as they were on the x-ray belt I became suspect number one. "Please step this way, ma'am. I'm going to have to screen these bags." Airport rule #13: never say, "No, these aren't my bags.....sort of.....I mean......I'm bringing them in for someone else. I have no idea what's in them". This only causes more raised eyebrows and deeper searching. Poor Maddi was so stressed out at this point she began to cry. I think that made us look more suspicious. 5 minutes to pre-board. I was sweating and laughing nervously as Mr. Security Man pulled out one pair of sharp scissors, then another, bigger pair of scissors, then a third, even bigger pair of scissors. After that came the giant sized toothpaste tube, knitting needles, more jumbo cream tubes and a large plastic water bottle. Next TWA bag: more cream tubes and the piece de resistance........two pocket knives. I just about fell over. My nervous laughter was intertwined with very quick prayers "Please Lord, make it stop." I explained my situation to Mr. Security Man as best I could, who, after trashing most of the items and rescanning both bags, gave me the "all clear". Maddi and I ran to the gate with one minute to spare. Of course, we both showed up looking completely unscathed, happy, calm and ready to board the plane. We promised not to mention anything to either grandparent, besides a polite, "Sorry they had to take a few of your items out." Let's keep it that way.
Cheryl -- loved reading your account as well as Maddi's -- You guys are amazing in this journey, and I look forward to hearing about your adventures... May God bless you richly for your obedience and love...It's going to be a really special time for you all! xoxo -- Linda
ReplyDelete