It seems like a lifetime ago that HHH and I lifted off on our biggest adventure. We spent most of December on an extensive cruise through five exotic countries we’d only read about, all new to us. But, before we could sail under the Golden Gate, we’d need to fly over the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains to San Francisco..
At 4 am, Mr. and Mrs. Lovebird delivered us to an early morning airport scene full of whispered conversations and the clickity-clack of heaving suitcases. Checking in for a flight is different these days, involving computerized kiosks. Upon arrival, we found not one, but two airport angels waiting to help us navigate this new way of travel. Automated to the max, after scanning our phones, we received baggage tags and boarding passes. Everything was so efficient, we were seated at our gate just 20 minutes after our arrival.
During the two-hour wait, I had a quiet conversation with God. Now, let me make this very clear. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to fly. Having taken my first flight when I was just 11, it’s the most exciting thing anyone can do. I love every aspect of each flight from beginning to end. But, on every flight, I ask God to surround the airplane with angels. This flight was no different.
Angels. Such an interesting group. They certainly surround us at all times. Who knows? They might pose as a fellow passenger, flight attendant, or stranger. Those small acts of kindness, passing smiles, help with a bag, or calming words that appear at just the right time. It’s hard to tell which ones are human goodness or real angels. I choose to believe it’s a mix of both.
For the flight, HHH and I chose opposing aisle seats. No middleman, just great access to the bathroom and full control of at least one armrest. On the last row of a very small plane, 29B and 29C were in a four-seat row. Expecting a full flight, we’d wait to see just who’d be sitting in 29A and 29D.
My seat remained empty until moments before the door closed. It was then that a lovely young woman asked if she could slip by me. 29A beautiful, but a bit frazzled. She hadn’t flown in 25 years, and things had changed, including the size of the seats. Fiddling with her purse, I learned she was visiting a daughter in Nashville. After that, we both retreated into our own thoughts, mine involving a continued conversation with God about the issue of angels.
29A was a true window gal. She watched every cloud blow by, taking pictures along the short flight while holding her breath during minor turbulence. While in flight, I experienced a quiet sense of peace. We weren’t traveling alone. I could feel it.
And then, we both saw the same thing at the very same time. Outside our window was a “rainbow orb”. It’s the only way I can describe it. Suspended outside the window, it was completely spherical. Not exceptionally large or small, it appeared to be traveling with us.
Before I could even process what I was seeing, she had her phone out, capturing it on video. I asked if I was seeing things. She assured me I wasn’t. Neither of us had ever seen such a thing. The difference was that SHE captured it on video, which she replayed a few minutes later.
It was then she laughed and said she’d asked God to surround the plane with angels. I gasped and told her I had sent the same prayer in exactly the same words. Our eyes met, and we both broke into spontaneous laughter.
After the laughter calmed, a sisterhood had formed. I asked if she would send me the video.
Hmmmmm. She couldn’t find the link.
Wait. WHAT?????? She showed it to me again, but couldn’t find the link. At this point, we were on the ground, and headed for the gate. She allowed me to photograph her Instagram account. (I didn’t write it down, but photographed it.) As the plane came to a stop, we both said “God is Great” at exactly the same time. As our flight ended, more laughter erupted from the back of the plane.
Just like that, a friendship formed. Wheels touched down, bags were grabbed, and our adventure continued. Something inside felt gently changed. I’d seen something unexplainable, and met someone very, very special.
With bags in hand, our adventure began. And what an adventure I have to share with you….
Oh—-BTW—I did look up the Instagram account of 29A. No such person or account could be found, even though I’d photographed her account page. As for rainbow orbs? It could have been an optical illusion. However, it could also be the angel escort requested by the back of the plane. I know what I’m choosing to believe……Just sayin’.
More tomorrow.
