SECURITY

How Mom gets through security at the airport:

Approach security ropes, which wind several times up to metal detector.

See guard positioned at first bend in the security ropes.  Wave "hello" to the guard, who does not reply.

Drop handle to wheelie-suitcase and throw arms around son in a bear hug.

Say goodbyes.  (Sob!)

Detach from son. Take deep breath. Throw arms around him again.  Detatch again, and pick up suitcase handle. Take deep breath.

Walk down path to guard.

Turn around half-way and wave to son.

Walk rest of way to guard, who mentions the maximum number of carry-ons allowed is 2.  Present bag count, with purse and gifts: 5.

Drop bags on floor, unzip, and proceed to rearrange/consolidate contents--while crouched in corner of security path.  Smile and wave other passengers past.

Take out shoes that would look cuter with present outfit. 

Sit down on suitcase; pull on socks and newly-chosen shoes.

Stand up, grab suitcases, and proceed down path.  At next turn, pause and start to cry again. Wave.

Continue walking.  Clip security stanchion with wheelie-suitcase, and drag rope down path.

Oops! Detach from ropes.  Turn around. Wave.

Walk up to X-ray machine. Place items on belt.  Turn around. Wave.

Walk through scanner. Turn around, successfully scanned. Wave.

Collect items from X-ray machine.  Stand on tippy-toes, to look above group of businessmen.  Wave.

Chat with group of businessmen.  Point at son, who is still watching.  Wave.

Walk around corner. Look through crowd, one last time.  Spot son, still standing there watching.  Start crying again. Wave.

Finally walk down concourse, slowly, waving. Pass corner, out of sight.

(pause)

Pop head back around corner, for one last encore look.  Of course.  Spot son still standing there, waiting for that encore.  Smile through the tears.  Wave.

Comments

[Casey]

just precious :)

[Kelly, The Glass Dragonfly]

I will admit. This totally made me tear up.

[Emilie]

AAWWW, that's oficially cute.

[JuanCarlos]

awwww this is so sweet! your mom sounds adorable!

[hillary p]

This made me smile through tears!

[blackbird]

I do hope none of my boys read this - it's a window into their future.

[Cherie]

OK I am a 54yr old mom with 2 fantastic sons and you made me cry. She sounds like a wonderful mom and you sound like a wonderful son. I stumbled on your blog one day and even though we have nothing in common, we have everything in common. I really enjoy reading your posts and this mom, just like your mom wants you to find the right person and be really happy! Cherie

[desi maurer]

This is exactly what I do when I drop or pick up my son from the airport (he lives across the US from us). I can't get enough hugs and always cry and smile at the same time. He says it embarasses him but he always says it with a smile while he has his arm around my shoulders so I think he doesn't mind as much as he says he does.
Not that it matters-a mom is always a mom-but our son is 27, gay and we love him dearly and always miss him :)

[Glenn D]

I remember when you r mom and the rest of your family came to visit you in Miami when you were on the Real World. I bet it was a lot easier back then when the rules were not so strict. The first time I flew after they had put into effect all of the post 9/11 rules it was a nightmare! I was telling people that I have had dates where I removed less clothing. Is there any time when we won't be subject to a full body cavity search just to visit our family??? :(

[kaylen]

So sweet!! That's how I am when saying goodbye to my son. The difference is my son will wave once and then quickly walk away with no interest at all in watching me. And no apparent sadness either. Brat.

[Chris in Irvine]

I hope you don't feel embarrassed for these PDAs with your mom. Enjoy them and treasure them because you will remember them for the rest of your life and they become handy in the future...

[jill]

Missing my mom for the last 11 years, but reading this warmed my heart!! Because I know you KNOW how lucky you are!