I would deal with one thing at a time. I kept my mind closed to all the possible fears. The 'ifs' and 'what abouts?', the terrorists, missed plane connections, and lost luggage. When the time came, I did the final check. I had enough money, snacks, medicine, and clothes. My suitcase was under the weight limit. I had my blanket (okay not a real one). We all are like Linus (from the Peanut's cartoon) as we cling to a lucky scarf, (a necklace, or socks) that links us to a memory of a favorite day or a feeling. We hold onto our blankets and re-visit them when the clouds cover our sky and the rains fall.

Goodbyes were said to friends and families and I got on the plane. I would see everyone at Christmas or the next summer. During the flight, I had a moment when I knew it would all be okay. The following poem is a reminder for me of that first journey and the beauty that can be discovered along the way.

Sunrise through a plane window

Sun set maze
dark clouds
oceans mist

my mind dreams of

a single turquoise star
hanging from

the sea's

slender

throat