If you have read my blogs, you know I hate to fly, but sometimes you just have to get on that plane. Father’s Day was one of those days. From Buffalo to Fort Lauderdale on a bumpy, turbulent ride. I was one of the three people on the plane still wearing a mask. My dad’s car service waited for me as I exited the airport. But Never Have I Ever….

WHO STILL WEARS A MASK WHILE FLYING?

First, the mask thing – Just to be transparent, I wore masks on planes even BEFORE COVID! Check out this photo from my one and only scary flight to Israel. During that flight, I also sported thrombosis socks and an eye mask. This, coupled with too many anti-anxiety sleepy medications, made for a mind-numbing, leg-numbing trip. 

The last time I flew, one needed to apologize for NOT wearing a mask. 

Now I felt like I needed to say something because I WAS wearing a mask. “Don’t mind me; I’m not sick, just a bit of a germaphobe.”

Oddly enough, a young, muscular man sat next to me on the flight, and his mask was way more high-tech than mine. (He was mask wearer number two) So, if he can wear a mask unabashedly, so can I!

The plane finally landed with a round of applause; I guess I wasn’t the only one freaking out about the rollercoaster ride! We waited 20 minutes in the cabin because the Jet Bridge was nowhere to be found. That didn’t stop everyone from standing up with carry-on luggage in hand, impatiently waiting to be released from the sardine can.

Meanwhile, the car service that my dad hired for me was texting about where we will meet. We often use this service when traveling because it’s convenient, not outrageously priced, and reliable. The car is typically a sedan or similar vehicle.

Never Have I ever

So, I am outside waiting for the non-descript sedan when a white stretch limo pulls up. The chauffeur gets out and says, “Vickie?” Pause… “Who me? Huh?” I questioned him, “Are you here for me?”

He smiled, took my bag, opened the door, and told me drinks were available. (Sadly, the options were water and seltzer!)

I immediately texted dad and my husband Mitch to ask about my ride! My dad immediately texted, asking Mitch, “What did you order?” It was on my dad’s tab! Mitch replied that he ordered the Author Special – (Ahh, thanks, Mitch), but seriously, he just called for a regular ride.

HELP I AM BEING KIDNAPPED BY A STRETCH LIMO!

So, did I get into the wrong vehicle? I was in a darkened cabin without a view of the driver or the road ahead. Am I being kidnapped? Where am I really going? Is this a bizarre twist of fate?

 My next thought was for the actual limo passenger still impatiently waiting at the airport for their stretch limo! I felt terrible, kind of…

We arrived at my dad’s house in Boca Raton, and I asked the driver if this was a mistake.

 He was amused by my overreaction to the fun ride.

He said, “No – it was the only vehicle available.” So no kidnapping, no angry passenger waiting for their limo at the airport – just a matter of supply and demand.

Never Have I Ever been picked up in a stretch limo, but I can certainly get used to it. If only I didn’t have to fly first to receive that reward!

Raising Jess A Story of Hope is a powerful memoir about our family’s survival when faced with adversity. Written with compassion, honesty, and humor, it tells of a family changed forever by the birth of a child with a rare chromosome deletion and the courageous decision to choose hope.

Our path differed from many of our friends and neighbors. But different does not mean worse or sad; merely different. Our opportunities and experiences changed our lives for the better.”

Is this book for you? Click on the reviews

“Couldn’t Put it Down! Raising Jess is an amazing book! I started it at 9 pm and stayed up all night to finish it in one sitting. Vickie Rubin’s writing is masterful! Highly recommend!” – Mike S.

" I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. Vickie, the author, does such a great job telling their story with the perfect balance of facts and feelings. Beautifully written!" -
Kelly S.

"This book was honest, well-written, and inspiring. Once you start the book, you can’t stop reading it. Love makes all things possible, even with a few speed bumps along the way. I will be recommending this book to many friends and colleagues. Read this book!"-
Rick B

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