Two former American Airlines stewardesses based
in LAX in 1959. Argie was showing Lona her name
on the bid sheet.
made to celebrate my book:
MORE THAN A TICKET.
Inaugural Flight, Margaret.
Stewardesses: Joan and Argie
Margaret made it into a necklace to wear.
Somewhere in the clouds of time,
We met, embraced, and parted,
Moments remembered from here to eternity.
---Argie
If
I were to title this response to life, I would call it CHANGE IN
FLIGHT PLAN
The
Friday before the exciting trip, the car thanked us for a 60,000 mile
maintenance check by the Volvo dealer, and it was ready for a road
trip to California. I was thrilled to take this touring adventure
with Gene; the clothes laid out for my anticipated book signing in
San Jose; even the pens that wouldn't bleed on the books. Details all
taken with serious intent.
Followed
by a week of madness. It happened! The main water line from street to
house decided to tell us that it was old, well it had been under the
ground since 1926, old house you know. Expensive! A planned three day
doTerra convention and in a spare moment corn to freeze for winter
grab detoured the packing. Now! As the suitcases were down and
readied for the trip, Lucy Dog and the two cats started to fuss. Stop
it! We are going! Then a phone call from my dear cousin announced
that they had the opportunity to visit at the same time of our
extended trip (San Jose, Los Angeles, Prescott and Vegas.) Oh, no! I
want to see Effie! After a round of Doctor visits, I thought we were
ready to go. Well, yes, I should freeze the peaches that were waiting
to be done. Uh oh! After a trip to the heart doctor, the doc said,
“Good to go!” Wow!
Next
Friday with the car packing done, we were ready to drive to San Jose
for the signing. I said I wanted to relax and soak in the tub for a
moment before we said farewell to our home and animals. Why wouldn't
the hot water faucet turn off and why was the tub filling faster than
I could dip the water out of tub into toilet! “GENE, turn the main
water line off!!” He hurried for tools, out to the curb and down on
his knees. Off went the water and out went his back!
After
waiting for someone of fix the plumbing problem. And I call it a
problem, not the usual word I use, challenge, our time had run
out to
make the trip to San Jose by driving. Knowing that an airplane could
get us there on time for the Saturday celebration for the book
signing, I went for it. (Aborting the trip was unthinkable,
considering all the preparatory work that was already well in motion
in San Jose, plus travel plans made by two other former stewardesses who
were based in LAX at the same time as I, had been invited.)
Now
to get to the airport! And Saturday morning at 3:00 AM, as I went to
the garage to get the car out, the sprinkling system was geysering!
Then I discovered that the low beam light warning indicator was on!
No!
I
was determined! It rained big sheets of water all the way to the
airport. I missed a turn to the right parking lot, had to circle and
land in the right spot. Gene had a difficult time getting to the
plane. Back really hurt! We had experienced opposition.
We
made it to the plane to find that some dear soul had upgraded our
ticket to first class. Tears came to say, “Thank you!”
Lorraine,
the niece of 97 years Margaret who had been a passenger on the Boeing
707 jet Inaugural Flight, met us at the airport. What a rewarding
welcome.
Off
to the care center for the day's activities.
The
Atria Chateau Gardens chef had prepared Inaugural Flight food, with
all the trapping of gracious dining. And there was Auntie
Margaret! Yes, Margaret with her bright mind, engaging
personality, and warm greeting was alive and happy! After meeting her
on January 25, 1959, she as a passenger and I as a stewardess on that
historic flight from Los Angeles to New York, this current meeting
also felt historical. Incidentally, New York had her winter coat on
to welcomed us with a band, and interested and interesting people to
greet us.
After
the photographers took tons of pictures we went down to the large
activity room. “Auntie” Margaret shared with me that Liz Taylor
had once recuperated at this facility. The activity director was a
lovely young lady who had designed the setting which was astonishing.
As we approached the room, I was surprised to see a landing strip
positioned on the floor with all the markings created with white
tape. A banner which read American Airlines and plane windows to look
through. Auntie Margaret walked down the strip with all the guest
standing or seated with some of us behind her. Some of us included
two other former American Airlines stewardesses whom I invited to
join me on this super adventure.
We had all been based in LAX at the
same time. Lona had been on the New York to London Inaugural
Flight and Joan on the Inaugural Flight from Los Angeles to
Philadelphia. And I on the Inaugural Flight from LAX to New York. The room was decorated with American Airlines
colors hanging all over the place. So Charming!
The
activity director . . . did an outstanding job with the voices from
the 50s belting it out with love in their hearts. And yes, there was
Dino with his amazing voice to charm the attentive group for this
very special day for Auntie Margaret, made possible by her dear and
dedicated niece Lorraine.
It
was so fun for me to sign book after book as I acquainted myself with
the care center's friendships and Margaret's terrific family. A
reunion which Lorraine had pulled together family not only from
California but from Las Vegas and Oregon for Auntie Margaret to enjoy
and some of whom she had not seen for years. Can you imagine the hugs
of joy! This was so fun for me!
One
of Margaret's friends came over to the signing table after I had
spoken a few words to announce that we belonged to the same church.
Something that I had said impressed her to ask. Connections
everywhere!
And
then to return to Lorraine's lovely home for a delectable meal host
by Lorraine and her dear family. Food arranged by the family.... and
well you know the Italians, they are so friendly and warm. Loved it!
Next
day Sunday. After another meal at the Green Cow/Sherwood Inn we
happily went back to see Auntie Margaret.
I love that
lady! One of my dear former passengers aboard that first transcontinental jet flight with the great company of
American Airlines.
On
Saturday, a gentlemen had come to the table wanting to buy a book.
They were all gone. It saddened me because he really wanted a book.
Going back to Lorraine's home, I dug deeper into my bag and there was
another book. So on Sunday I was honored to give a veteran my book:
More Than a Ticket, And that moment was more than a ticket. My heart
spun out of control as his grateful eyes and heart said thank you.
That is what life is all about. Giving! MORE THAN a TICKET
And
cousin Effie and her husband will be here tomorrow for an exciting
visit. Plans change and things work out for the better with a
peaceful landing.
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