Next Stop…Route 128!

Planes, Trains and Rental Cars: Travels with an Almost 7 Year-Old and Time with Grammy

Thursday morning.

The debris of another work week trails me as we get on the BART, a commuter train, heading toward San Francisco Airport, leaving Mama. Rebelle Harmony is 6 years and 9 months old…and she has a hard time saying goodbye. I realize I have left my phone at home, amidst the flurry of bags, and the urge to charge to 100%. As if we ever really get to 100%.

At least I notice before the train arrives. I ask a stranger if I can make a call. Tell him I forgot my phone. I can’t tell if he believes me, but he dials the number. Mama returns with the phone, saving the start of the day.

It’s a long and slow ride from one end of the line to the other. We get on the Airtrain and we step off at our terminal. We wait at the gate. We order fried chicken, a chicken salad, and a surprisingly tangy lemonade. We eat lunch.

I become mildly stressed around child’s need to use airport bathroom without any help. “Daddy can’t go in, but you can do it solo!” First grader is confident and gaining independence. Kind female young adult keeps an eye on her and returns her to me afterward. More waiting at the gate. Plane delayed. Finally boarding. Then waiting on the tarmac. Then…