I'm sure that most of you remember the funny 1987 hit "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" where the high-strung marketing executive (played by Steve Martin) and the annoying but lovable shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy) link up under strange circumstances as they both attempt to get to their destination for Thanksgiving under the most trying of circumstances. And I mention it this morning to exemplify the possible issues that holiday travelers face. With the added stress caused by the Corona virus, it creates many more issues yet the will to be with family is understandable. Frankly, I understand why people are traveling if they have none of the major contributing factors because a society can't close down and such major holidays are a part of being an American.
Now I know that all of us have had some horrible experiences traveling at this time. I've had them both by air and auto but not by train. Like my first year at the University of Arizona when I was set to come home for Christmas. I finished the final day of classes with a night class and didn't sleep for my flight via Chicago was scheduled for dawn. Well, I got to Chicago okay and then I found myself grounded for twenty-four hours by snow. By the time I got home I had been up for about forty hours and then wasted the first day sleeping. Then there was the time we were flying from Jacksonville to Norfolk to visit for Thanksgiving. There were special offers available and it was a last minute decision and we were ready to go. Arriving at the airport early, I found that the one change flight wasn't in Charlotte, but Detroit. And the flight up took about two more hours than expected, and since it was an early Thanksgiving Day flight, we almost missed the turkey dinner. And on the flight back, we were delayed in Detroit by snow, arriving home at 3 in the morning. And there have been many more from Army days and career moves but we have all had those.
So, I am glad at this stage of life I no longer have to travel for holidays. And I wish the best of travel mercies to all who are on their way. May God protect them and safely get them to their destinations safely and allow them to return home later, too. And if you are not traveling and have some time on your hands. Perhaps watching that very funny movie will make you glad you are where you are this year. Warm Thanksgiving wishes are offered to all of you.
Now I know that all of us have had some horrible experiences traveling at this time. I've had them both by air and auto but not by train. Like my first year at the University of Arizona when I was set to come home for Christmas. I finished the final day of classes with a night class and didn't sleep for my flight via Chicago was scheduled for dawn. Well, I got to Chicago okay and then I found myself grounded for twenty-four hours by snow. By the time I got home I had been up for about forty hours and then wasted the first day sleeping. Then there was the time we were flying from Jacksonville to Norfolk to visit for Thanksgiving. There were special offers available and it was a last minute decision and we were ready to go. Arriving at the airport early, I found that the one change flight wasn't in Charlotte, but Detroit. And the flight up took about two more hours than expected, and since it was an early Thanksgiving Day flight, we almost missed the turkey dinner. And on the flight back, we were delayed in Detroit by snow, arriving home at 3 in the morning. And there have been many more from Army days and career moves but we have all had those.
So, I am glad at this stage of life I no longer have to travel for holidays. And I wish the best of travel mercies to all who are on their way. May God protect them and safely get them to their destinations safely and allow them to return home later, too. And if you are not traveling and have some time on your hands. Perhaps watching that very funny movie will make you glad you are where you are this year. Warm Thanksgiving wishes are offered to all of you.
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