a touching moment...

September 4, 2007
On Monday, Labor Day, my wife and son took their flight to Barcelona to contiue with the next phase of PROJECT:BARCELONA!!!! We found really cheap round trip tickets from Philly on Air France (sale still going on) stopping in Paris and ending up in Barcelona. Of course that means we have return tickets but it was cheaper for these tickets rather than one way.
The trip started well as we steam rolled past northern VA and entered the beltway. We have been planning on stopping to see my great aunt in Baltimore. After a quick stop and back on the Interstate, we stopped for lunch somewhere in Baltimore. Carme had to go into the Target there (she can spot one a mile away I swear) to exchange a belt (more evdence she has an old flame in Spain she is dolling up for!)
The trip was lively and fun until after lunch. We were a few miles from Deleware when the somber mood just settled over us. It seemed like either the burritos were really locking us up or we all knew that our time was closing near. We all sat in our own air, pondering the next 13 days of seperation for my family. I worked hard to keep the mood light and fun. alex was not haivng it. Carme sat and just tried to smile, hiding tears behind her expensive shades (hey!!! did she have those shades before the detour to Target?!?. A rousing game of 20 questions could not stir Alex from his long face.
20 minutes from the airport, I found myself actually driving the speed limit. I guess I subconsiously slowed my pace as to have a few more moments to hold her hand, to watch my son sleeping in the back. Unfortunately, finding a parking spot was strangely easy. The long walk to the terminal too mere seconds. We even had no issues at the ticketing counter! Geesh, I can't avoid this if I wanted to.
Tears began to flow. If you have children, you know, seeing them cry is almost the worst feeling (seeing them laugh at you when you slip and fall if THE worst feeling :) ). Alex tried to be brave and understand but he could not fathom the though of "daddy not coming with us". I truly believe this boy loves his parents equally. He promised me, with all the bravery he could gather, to take care of him mother for me. And that he did. You should have seen him helping her during the metal detector obstacle course. He held her hand firmly, turned one time to wave, and walked away bravely. I could not ask for more from that boy. I cannot wait to see him again.
I love you, Alex.