We are home. We are safe. We are trying to put the disastrous trip behind us. Meticulous planning did not help in this case.
Dealing with the great disappointment of missing Matt’s graduation seems to be playing out differently for each of us. Russ is sad that his mobility issues required us to have 1st class seats, which in turn limited our chances of rebooking due to mechanical troubles. American Airlines could do a partial 1st class ticket flying us to Philadelphia and then a connecting coach ticket to Burlington. That would not work for Russ. The airline could get Russ to the coach seat via an aisle chair (sort of a skinny seat on a dolly that they strap him into), but once there he would not be able to slip himself into the seat. 1st class tickets for the next 24 hour period would get us into Burlington hours after Matt had graduated; disappointment.
For me? I am so very sad. Once Matt began attending Vermont Commons School as a 7th grader he was embraced, challenged and guided by a phenomenal staff. VCS changed his life path and I am eternally grateful to every staff member on his journey. I had been looking forward to celebrating his accomplishments as well as saying thank you to the staff.
Due to American Airlines plane mechanical issues and the need for handicap assistance, we missed Matt’s graduation. Four days later I tear up every time I think of him at the ceremony. My thrill now is waiting for the DVD of the ceremony to arrive in the mail.
A few thousand dollars later, even with Joan’s help, I am trying to help Russ understand that we might have to chock the lost money to a disappointing investment. I had been telling him before the trip to pretend we are going to Europe without leaving the states!’ Coming home to so many VISA charges that only got us to a marginal Sheraton Hotel, NOT to graduation, NOT to a few days on a lake, NOT with family can only be described as a disappointing investment.
We are home. We are safe.