Flying to Charleston with mom

Hour 1

Where are we?

The Rochester airport.

Oh, where are we going?

To Charleston.

Oh. 

Hour 2 after our fist flight was canceled

Where are we?

The Rochester airport.

Where are we going?

Charleston.

Oh.  When are we leaving?

In about 8 hours.

8 hours! We could drive.

That would take 3 days, mom.

Oh.  Well, when are we leaving?

Hour 3

Where are we?

The Rochester airport.

Where are we going?

Charleston.

Oh.  When are we leaving?

In about a few hours. Why don’t you lie down?

Do you want me to lie down?

I want you to be happy.

I’m happy.

OK

Hour 4

Where are we?

The Rochester airport.

Where are we going?

Charleston.

Oh.  When are we leaving?

In about a few hours.  Why don’t you lie down?

I don’t want to.  I am going to walk around this little circle.

OK

Hour 5

Where are we?

The Rochester airport.

Where are we going?

Charleston.

Oh.  When are we leaving?

In about 2  hours.

Good grief, where is my car? We could drive.

That would take a 3 days.

Well, we could..

Let’s get something to eat.

(There is nothing my mom can eat at the airport. 

I find a fruit with protein drink.

The Delta food coupon does not work where get the fruit and protein drink. Of course it doesn’t.)

Hour 6

Where are we?

The Rochester airport.

Good grief, we haven’t been anywhere.

No our flight was canceled.

Oh.  When are we leaving?

Soon. Why don’t you lie down?

Do you want me to? Where would I lie down?

Right here.

Oh. OK.

Sally Ann?

Yes.

I’m cold.

Hour 7: at gate

Where are we?

At the gate.

Where?

At the gate at the airport.

The airport?

Where are we going?

Atlanta, then Charleston

Oh.  When are we leaving?

In about a hour.

Sally Ann?

Yes?

Are we in Columbia?

No, we are in Rochester.

Good grief.

On the plane:

Sally Ann?

Yes?

Where are we going?

To Atlanta, then Charleston.

Oh, that’s a hop, skip and a jump.

Sally Ann?
Yes?

Where is this plane going?

Atlanta.

Oh.  And then we stay at a hotel?

No, then we fly to Charleston.

Oh.

The couple in front of us is discussing Dubia and Bangkok.

Everyone else has a laptop or iPad open.

I get mom a scotch and a banana.

I get a bourbon and as many shortbread cookies as I can.

The refrain continues until we are airborne:

Sally Ann?
Yes?

Where is this plane going?

Atlanta.

Oh.  And then we stay at a hotel?

No then we fly to Charleston.

Oh.

I put my finger to my lips as we take off.

Mom’s feelings are hurt.

She tries to ask me again.

I close my eyes.

After a while she leans over and says:

Is the first stop Atlanta?

Yes.

And she closes her eyes.

(This of course only lasts for about 10 minutes then she wants a drink and asks if we are going to Charlotte.)