An early morning farewell

It snowed last night, probably a couple inches, though it probably took the ground a little while to refreeze so it didn't look like that much . . . except on top of the cars . . . at 3:40 a.m., when we started the van so we could take Cassie and Hannah, Nic, and Emma to the airport.  I love my youngest daughter dearly, but I don't know that I can convey how appropriate it was that she'd be going on the worst travel day (around here) in a month.

The plan was for us to arrive at Cassie's by 4 to load up the van and go, which seemed about right to us.  Her text message at 3:51 told us not to rush, she was just getting in the shower.  So, we hung out for a few minutes longer before heading over,  as I strove to not fret about the time on her behalf seeing as she didn't seem to be.  Once there, I quickly got their bags loaded, then we helped her get the kids up and dressed.  The older two were understandably cranky, unaccustomed to being awakened in the middle of the night, not really caring yet that they'd be seeing daddy in a few hours.  Hannah brightened up pretty quickly, though, and told us again that she's going to miss us.  Nic settled down not long after, resting his head on my shoulder as I held him in my arms.  With kisses and hugs to Granny, we were finally out the door.  After a quick u-turn for the forgotten cell phone, we were making the best time I could safely manage along the icy highway.  Bridges were the worst, and there are a lot of them around downtown and at the I70-I75 interchange.  In all, we probably arrived at the airport about 85 minutes before the flight rather than the recommended 120.

Oh, did I mention she had about 8 items to check?  After getting it all out of the car and onto a cart, I drove around to short-term parking.  Irrationally, I dreaded they'd get through check-in and security before I could get back into the terminal, that I'd missed my chance to tell the kids how much I love them, to share one last hug before they left.  But no, there they were, waiting in line as I ran back in to receive an unexpected gift: an extra half-hour with them, as Grandma and I were able to have gate passes.  

It passed much too quickly.  I could see Emma was in a good mood, so yanked her binky and gave it to mom so that I could see that great smile of hers.  She rode in grandpa's arms as we helped them through security and to the gate.  As mom took Nic to the restroom and grandma enjoyed some Emma time, I held Hannah on my lap, tickling her, reminding her how much we love her and that God loves her more.  I snapped a couple of quick photos as we waited, and too soon it was our turn for hugs and kisses with our grandbabies and our dear daughter.  Hannah cried as she said goodbye to us, and it took all my experience and faith to overcome my own feelings so I could honestly tell her that it will be okay.  I stood hugging a tearful Teri, only slightly less so myself, as we watched them make their way down the jetway, poor little Nic bumping his head on mom's carry-on as they disappeared from sight.