The Transition

I don’t think I can be too creative today, but I am so grateful for the community that has formed around us, I need to let everyone know that all is good. Very good. Michael has landed in San Diego and I am at my desk, looking at all the pictures my husband took this morning.

Here are some crazy things that went well:

#1: The Southwest agent told Mike she’s have to see inside the box he was checking. He’d packed and sealed and taped and labeled this big box that contained, well everything. His packed backpack. She said, “what’s in your pack?” He said, “oh, sleeping bag, tent, camp stove…” “OK, I need to see the camp stove.” Now imagine this: the camp stove, for starters is about an inch big, all around. Mike had it packed inside a drawstring sack, inside a sock, inside a titanium cook pot, inside a pouch, inside a food bag, inside trash compactor bag, inside his backpack, inside the box. Literally.

Luckily, my husband has never been late for anything in his life.

When Michael pulled out the stove, the agent said “Get out! How is that a stove?” She turned to her colleague and said “Would you look at this, its a camp stove!!!” And what started out as a TSA-like inquiry turned into a Texas-style “Honey, God bless you on this journey! Do you want your parents to go through security with you? Well, why not? I’m a mom. Momma, I’m not gonna let you stand out here while he’s at the gate!” Southwest is a Texan jewel.

#2: Since we all got to go through security, we had a chance to say goodbye properly, inside the well-appointed Dallas Love Field terminal. And since I’m a big believer in marking important times like this one, we were able to send him off with a well-known Spencer Family tradition. (Yes, it was only 11AM. I know, I know, but after six kids, this was the last chance we’ll ever have to do this.)

#3. Michael will be staying tonight with Barney and Sandy Mann, the very family I mentioned in my post yesterday. The funny thing is, I can’t for the life of me figure out how I found that article online. I don’t remember what I was searching for or what made me read it. I can’t believe it really. But thanks to that article, I have a visual of where he is tonight and who he’s with and what he’s doing. Crazy, really. I suspect my father had a hand in making that happen. He would have expected me to be a basket case, right about now. I think he knew what I would need tonight.

Everything was perfect today. Thank you, everyone, for your support. Godspeed, Michael Patrick. Have the time of your life.

BA
April 28, 2017 at 6:15 pm

Tears of happiness! What a wonderful send off story!!! Yay to TSA for having a Texas size heart!
SO proud of the family effort and love that has sent Michael on his way to self discovery. Enjoy ‘collapsing’ tomorrow…hot tub and feet up ! Reap the benefits of being one terrific mom and wife!!!
1. MaxineFrampton
  May 9, 2017 at 1:00 pm
  
  Thank you so much, Beth Ann, for following along, and for your prayers for Michael, and for supporting the “home team” as much as you do!
Jen Cross
April 28, 2017 at 6:33 pm

I’m so trash reading this! Love it!
1. Jen Cross
  April 28, 2017 at 6:34 pm
  
  Teary! That should say “teary!”
  1. MaxineFrampton
    May 9, 2017 at 1:01 pm
    
    I kind of loved the “so trashed” comment. Conjured up the image of true and honest emotional impact!!! Thank you so much for being teary or trashed!
Sharon Hoitsma
April 28, 2017 at 7:09 pm

Crying now..thanks. But mostly for sharing the incredible journey with us. XOXO
Sharon
1. MaxineFrampton
  May 9, 2017 at 1:02 pm
  
  Thank you for feeling along side me, and for sharing the journey with ME! xoxo
Mary Fitzgerald
April 28, 2017 at 7:23 pm

I am loving this journey, thanks for letting us come along for the ride…adventure. He is a brave guy, and I admire him for taking the leap of faith and blazing his own trail. I hope he keeps a journal too. It will be interesting to compare notes when the trip is over. Hugs to you Max!
Susie Kohler
April 28, 2017 at 9:10 pm

I’ve always felt that those who’ve gone ahead of us do give us help on our time of need. I am sure your dad is with you and Michael. Hang in there sounds like he’ll have the time of his life.
EB
April 29, 2017 at 12:17 pm

I’m crying too. Godspeed!
1. MaxineFrampton
  May 9, 2017 at 1:04 pm
  
  xoxo. You motivated me to reach beyond just our selves, experiencing this. Thank you for that!
Elaine Meyerson
April 29, 2017 at 10:55 pm

Great story! This send off should keep you smiling as he begins his journey…
1. MaxineFrampton
  May 9, 2017 at 1:05 pm
  
  Isn’t it? Only in Texas. Or maybe not. There are good people who care about how others are feeling everywhere! It was the perfect way for this to happen. I’m so very grateful. And thank you for following us, Elaine!
Katrina Meshach
May 1, 2017 at 7:38 pm

I would have been a basket case! You are so strong.
1. MaxineFrampton
  May 9, 2017 at 4:48 pm
  
  Katrina, that’s the thing. I am so not strong. But when you’re faced with it, what are your choices? You’re just as strong, as you sending a child to college proves. No one tells us this part, do they?
Stefanie Schumaker
May 2, 2017 at 2:55 pm

I finally was able to read this and I’m crying my eyes out! My sister works for Southwest so I’m so happy they were so good to you. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you.
1. MaxineFrampton
  May 9, 2017 at 4:51 pm
  
  Stefanie, thank you so much for sharing and for following along. I love Southwest. Please tell your sister this little tale. I try to give them positive reinforcement for their customer service and consideration, whenever I can!
Kathleen
May 4, 2017 at 12:11 am

What a blessing ,to be able to go to the gate to say a proper farewell. Your Michael has quite the journey ahead of him, both externally and internally. Thank you for sharing Maxine!
1. MaxineFrampton
  May 9, 2017 at 4:50 pm
  
  Yes, Kathleen, a complete unexpected blessing. Thank you for following along with us!