Saturday, December 23, 2006

An eye-opening experience

Well, I figured it's been well since before Thanksgiving and I should update this thing soon. (Now that there's 2 more days till Christmas). I had a very eye-opening experience. Usually when it comes to flying home I'm not too worried about not getting there, until this time. The day before I was supposed to leave for home, my dad tells me that the Denver airport is shut down because of a huge snow storm. And of course my flight has a layover in Denver before it gets to Dallas. I hope that by the time my flight is the next day it will be ok, and I'll get to go home anyway. That evening, however, I learn that the airport will not reopen till after my flight so both my flights were cancelled. I was on hold with United and Travelocity forever, and my parents tried too. This was the point that I started to worry, well more than worry freak out. In fact, I started to cry. For the first time in my life, I was scared that I wasn't going to be able to make it home in time for Christmas. I then of course went through all the worse-case scenarios in my head. I would be stuck in Provo and have to either spend Christmas alone in my apartment, or worse with my Aunt and Uncle that live in Provo. It's awkward enough going over to their house for Sunday dinner, how was I going to survive Christmas! But, this fear of not being home in time for Christmas really helped me see how important family is at Christmas time, and really all the time. I know it's fun to be out on your own and experience things independently, but there are times, especially around the holidays that family helps make things better. So what if your family is crazy like on Christmas Vacation, deep down (maybe deeper for some) it's that crazyness that makes fond memories for years and years to come. Granted the thought I might not go home for Christmas didn't last too long, it still made me have a greater understanding and appreciation of my family. I am going home, for those that were wondering, it's not till Christmas Eve, but at least I'll be home for Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!