Part 2 of Air Companions is on the Job!

Picking up from my last blog I believe Doris and I had arrived at the Fort Walton Airport in Fort Walton, Florida, returned the rental car, confirmed our airline tickets and were heading for security. Once at the security area we were asked to show our picture IDs. I had my passport on me so that was not a problem. But, (and I mean a BIG BUT!) Doris did not have a picture ID. I instantly became nauseated for reasons I'm sure I don't have to explain. All I can say is that if something like this had to happen (and believe me it will never happen again on my watch!) I am so glad it happened at a little airport in the South. Can you imagine what it would of been like in New York City or Boston? Not fun.

The security guards were so nice and accommodating that I could hardly believe it. They apparently called Washington, D.C. to run a check on Doris to try to determine her identity. Meanwhile time is marching on and I am praying (literally!) that we would not miss our flight. Finally, after completing some paper work they confirmed Doris was who we said she was and we were sent through security. However, we didn't get off that easily as they had to "pat down" Doris. Female security guards completed this procedure. They were very kind and considerate. I can't say enough good about these people! Did I ever learn a lesson! Always make sure you and the people you are traveling with have a picture ID!!!

Because Doris is wheelchair bound they had to put her into a special chair to get her into the plane. Two strong young men gently lifted her from the wheel chair and placed her onto the special chair. They strapped her in for her own safety and carried her onto the plane. Then they undid the straps and gently lifted her from the special chair and placed her in her assigned seat. I was very impressed. I snapped this pic on your right from my window seat.

Once the plane took off Doris told me she was a little nauseated. I gave her a pill that the doctor had prescribed specifically for her trip to Maine. Twenty minutes later Doris was feeling much better. The stewardess was extremely helpful and waited on us by inches. When I got off the plane I told her she was the nice stewardess that I had ever met. One hears so many complaints about the service in airports and in flight and I did not see any of that the entire trip.

The flight to Atlanta was not long. We had a 2 hour lay over there and then the next leg of our trip would take us to Maine. Good thing we had a 2 hour layover because we certainly needed the time. As I said in my previous blog, the Atlanta Airport is HUGE! First Doris needed to make a stop in the ladies room which took a good 30 minutes. Once we came out we sought out help from the airport staff. They gave us an escort to our departing gate which, of course, was on the other side of the airport. We finally got there with very little time to spare. I grabbed something to eat and it seemed it was time for us to board. Doris and I were the last to board as she needed to be taken on the plane in the special chair. Again 2 kind young men assisted Doris and the whole thing went very smoothly. On the right I have posted a piture of the crowd waiting for the flight to Maine.

We were happy to be on the last leg of our journey. Doris was such a trooper. Mind you, she had not even been in a car outside of the nursing home for over 2 years! This trip home to Maine was a very big adventure! We finally arrived in Portland in the late afternoon. Doris' daughter was waiting for us. After settling our business I helped Rebecca get her mother into the taxi. I hugged both of them goodbye and wished Doris all the best. I got into my car and headed for home. What a great day!