The domino effect

It's amazing how one person can unknowingly effect and impact others in so many different ways, so many miles away and hours later, both good and not-so-good - and never really know the effect he had on others. (I chose not to use bad in this situation). Not so good ~ Stacey having to get up and drive Linda to the Flagstaff airport at zero-dark-thirty in order to get the flight necessary for Phoenix connections and arrive in Vegas by 1 PM. Good ~ I took the afternoon off with plans on Carol & I picking Linda up on our way to St George, missing heavier late afternoon I-15 traffic. Not so good~Linda's plane arrived late and her luggage didn't make her flight. Good ~ flight arrived safely. Good ~ we took Linda back to the house awaiting arrival of her luggage on the next flight one hour later, Lindsay, Cohen & Sandler got to see her. Not so good ~ her luggage wasn't on this next flight. Good ~ I'm cuddling with Sandler and Cohen watching my wall-mount HDTV HBO movie, (last part of Prairie Home Companion) and then Sponge Bob Square Pants. With Sandler's head on my shoulder and my arm stretched out poking at Cohen as we watched, Sandler fell asleep. Phoebe had curled up on my lap, also enjoying the moment. Lindsay put Sandler in his bed and it was just one-on-one cuddling, watching and talking with Cohen. Not every grandpa has this opportunity. Not so good ~ luggage does not arrive until the 4:30 flight. Good ~ I get more time with Cohen and Linda ends up with @ $100 of vouchers for the "inconvenience." Not so good ~ we finally leave Vegas at 5 PM zig-zagging north via I-215 east to I-95 north to Las Vegas Blvd to Lamb, joining up with northbound I-15 traffic that is much lighter here. I merge with 70 MPH traffic. A 35 minute trip, 1/3 of our total travel time to St George. Good ~ we weren't in that terrible grid-lock freeway traffic (I think I-15 is just one construction zone) and were able to see how fortunate our lives are, as we drove through this less-socio-economic affluent part of town (and our youth neighborhoods). Good ~ we called ahead to Out-Back in St George as we left Mesquite and picked up dinner 30 mins later - Linda insisted on buying!!

I was thinking how IF ground crew staff at Phoenix airport (or Flagstaff) had put Linda's luggage on the correct plane in the first place, I wouldn't have had the special time with Cohen & Sandler. We wouldn't have enjoyed North Las Vegas and these two sisters wouldn't have had such quality time at McCarran dealing with US Air customer service personnel. I believe everything happens for a reason, whether it's part of His plan or just happenstance. Somethings are beyond our control, and I tell myself, we have to adjust to it. In my younger years, I wouldn't have accepted this set-back as well. Another good thing of aging!