I arrived in Dallas after finishing leg one of a trip from Philadelphia to Seattle. As I walked through the terminal I heard a violinist playing sweet music. He was center stage, entertaining weary and excited travelers alike. A glint color caught my eye from overhead and as I looked up I saw a huge circle of intertwined wires, lights, and planes. At that moment I realized the music was just a few feet away and in a flash I was transported to July 2015 when I had last traveled to Seattle.
TJ wanted to go and despite a serious fear of flying I knew I needed to suck it up and make it happen. My sister was headed there too, but from Maryland. She changed her flight and went with me to hold my hand so that TJ could have that experience.
This time I was journeying with my oldest sister and mom, meeting up with sister #3 to stay with sister #2. Yeah there are four of us sisters. We were- are- celebrating #2’s graduation from seminary and throwing in some 50th birthday antics for me. And so here we were with a one-hour layover in Dallas, getting hungry and knew it would be quite sometime before we arrived at Sister’s house. We decided to get some airport Chick-Fil-A. As we walked to the food court area it hit me: if it weren’t for the last trip to Seattle and my mama-heart to get TJ there before he died, I might not be going there now. Who knows if I would have broken through that fear. Seattle first, then Maui for TJ’s Make-A-Wish trip….he gave me this gift of peace and freedom from fear. He has given me family memories that I wouldn’t have had without his gift. Because of TJ I am able to be here in Seattle with all three of my sisters by blood, two sisters by love, and Mama, celebrating so much joy, happiness, and accomplishment.
See the orb? Hi, TJ!
Thank you, TJ, for your birthday present! I love you, buddy! I know you are here with me. I see all the signs you are sending me. ~Love, Mom xoxoxo
