Welcome to the World, Baby Will!
Will was born while I was on a Qatar Airways flight from Clark, Philippines to Doha, Qatar. Here's my text exchange with Trent that started while I was on the ground at the Clark airport:
Trent: Contractions started. Will keep you posted. Fly safe!
Me (a few hours later while I'm in the air): Checking in ...
Trent: Baby and mom are doing awesome.
Me: Oh wait?!?! He's here?!?!
For the airline industry's best ranked business class service, here's what I have to say ... fabulous food, terrible Wifi! When I landed in Doha, I had 87 iMessages that downloaded, all with great news about Meredith and Will. Despite the inadequate WiFi on my flight, that's where I was when a grandchild of mine was born and Qatar Airways now holds a tender place in my heart.
During my 8 hour layover at the Doha airport, I, of course, had to visit the Qatar Airways gift shop and load up on Qatar Airways gifts for everyone ... playing cards, water bottles, stuffed animals, hats, snow globes, pens, little airplane toys, and coloring sets. A little silly but I enjoyed every minute as I waited for my flight to Seattle.When I arrived in Seattle, I met this new angel from heaven. There is nothing better than being a grandmother ... all the joy, none of the work.💙
Every day that I was in Seattle, this was me ...
Or maybe this ...
Big brother Hugh couldn't have been more adoring of his new baby brother ...
My sister-in-law Carolyn was the unsung hero in all of this, well, besides our daughter Meredith who did give birth.💙 Carolyn covered for me for the week between Meredith's due date and when I was scheduled to arrive a week later. She is wonderful! I'm not sure who is more grateful for BAC, me or Meredith or Trent!
In addition to meeting Will, I was blessed to spend time with all of our kids and grandkids. Our son Brandon came to Seattle to see me and meet Will.
Our son Jared and his wife Eden and two of our grandsons live close to Meredith and Trent and I loved spending time with them.
It was a little surprising to discover that the original Ms. Frizzle of the Magic School Bus had been replaced but I was relieved to discover that the new Ms. Frizzle is the younger sister of the original ...
I happened to be in the US for Thanksgiving and our son Jared and his wife Eden hosted Thanksgiving dinner. The meal was delicious and they did a magnificent job managing a high maintenance meal while navigating high energy boys. I have so much respect for parents of young children.
At the end of my trip, I was blessed to spend a day with our youngest son Kevin. Because he's in the Army, his availability and leave are unpredictable. Fortunately the stars aligned this time. I surprised him with my visit and yes, grown men can cry when they see their mothers. A highlight of my life. I adore my kids.
For the record, Covid tests are still required for international travel and before I left the Philippines I happily went to the Red Cross in Olongapo for my Covid test. Even with a happy heart, swab tests are still awful. I had another swab test before returning back to the Philippines. And then another one before I could leave my three-day quarantine at the Manila Marriott. Totally worth it.
I love what I do here but I did give myself some space to feel sad about leaving my children and grandchildren. God is aware of me and he reminded me of his awareness in ways that were personal and meaningful ...
I happened upon a Wendy's in the Manila airport 😊
Overall I have this to say ... Welcome to the world, Grandson Will. So glad you were born!
So happy that you were able to be there for the happy event! So inquiring minds want to know. What are Will's vital stats?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and I agree grandma status is the best!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a fun trip home to see your family! You are a cute grandma!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to be there for a visit! I had a grandson born in South Korea while I was flying over Russia haha. You guys are doing great things over there with your service. My daughter said they finally went physically to church for the first time since early 2020! Thanks for your sacrifices!
ReplyDeleteOh lucky you to get to see EVERYONE 🤗🤗🤗
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