Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Leaving on a jet plane

Moose begging from Norma Jean August 2010
I thought about calling this post "The Last Straw" or something similar, because that's what finally tipped me over the edge this morning. It's not enough that I am so far away from my wonderful sister Norma Jean, but to add insult to injury, her little adorable long-haired Pekingese Moose was run over and killed in her front yard today. Within an hour of the event, my niece Allison called to tell me that, well, it's not been the best week in the Stewart household. My heart immediately broke even more for my sister.

So, it turns out that I will indeed be in Florida for the celebration of Pete's life on Sunday. In fact, I'm staying for three whole weeks and will get a chance to jump my new parachute at the world-class Drop Zone, Skydive City, which happens to be about a mile from my sister's house. Yes, I am taking my gear with me, since I don't know that I will ever be back in the region, and it's been such a wet and rainy season here in the Pacific Northwest that I feel justified. Plus I will be able to take all my blogging buddies there to see what it's like. I hope none of you feel I am being totally crass doing this. Okay, I feel a twinge of guilt myself... but just a little.

Thanks to Allison, I will be using her accumulated Alaska Air miles to fly there. I couldn't get there using my own United Air miles, because they wouldn't let me use them until March 1 at the earliest. My days of flying everywhere are over, but if I compare the frequent flier programs of these two airlines, Alaska comes out tops in every way. I will be flying the "red-eye," however, which allows me to use the smallest amount of her miles. I will leave Seattle at 10:30 pm and finally arrive in Tampa at 1:30 pm the next day, with a layover of six hours in Miami. Not pretty, but I couldn't bear to pay the exorbitant airline prices they wanted to charge me in order to get there within the next few days.

One thing I want to say before my exciting journey begins: I am going to Florida first and foremost to help my little sister rebuild her life. There are pictures in my mind of the two of us talking far into the night, which might be a little dated... we are much older now and might fall asleep in our chairs instead. No matter, much personal history will be written within the next three weeks. Without a doubt.
They went everywhere together: NJ, Pete, Moose
:-}

30 comments:

  1. By all means go and take your gear. Jump one for Pete and Moose.

    The story of Moose breaks my heart as I have a little dog like that. I'd been heart broken if that happened to him.

    Blessings on you. I think you need your sister and she certainly needs you.

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  2. Oh such heartbreaking news. I can't begin to imagine what your sister must be feeling right now. She is going to need you now more than ever.
    Be safe in your travels.

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  3. travel light djan...i know she will appreciate you much. sad on the dog...ugh.

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  4. wow, this is so sad. Her husband, her dog. It seems this happens often with pets and their humans.

    have a wonderful trip! The weather here is beautiful.

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  5. I'm so very glad you're going. I will hang back (with the rest of our sibs) to give you guys some space, but I've been thinking of Norma Jean all day long, and she will remain at the center of my thoughts for many days to come. I love her so much, and I'm just heartsick.

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  6. I'm so sorry for your loss, your brother in-law and their dear little pal, Moose. It's not at all crass to go with your jumping gear. Jumping will be a celebration of life itself. Your time with your sister will be precious. I look forward to sharing it with you in whatever way feels right.

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  7. Oh this is so sad about the dog. Moose looked like a real sweetie. I'm glad you're going to spend some time with Norma Jean...it sounds like it will be good for you both. And please have fun and take care on the jumps. Looking forward to all the wonderful photos you'll send our way.
    Be safe now...that red eye sounds like a bitch.

    hugs and love...

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  8. Ooh, so very sad, my heart breaks for your sister's loss.
    I think it's a wonderful idea for you to be by her side, and offer her sisterly support during these dark days.
    Have a safe journey my friend !
    You'll be missed.
    Hugs
    ~Jo

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  9. I am so glad you are going. I was shocked and heartbroken when Dad told me earlier today about little Moose. I was thinking the other day that at least Moose could help to give her some comfort. :( What a terrible week.

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  10. So sorry for your sister. This is just heartbreaking news on all fronts for her. Glad she has such a caring sister.

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  11. Such a sad thing to have happened at this time. Take care!

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  12. Good for you for going, and good for you for planning some fun too. Mourning loss, celebrating life and talking it all out will be what you do for the family, but scheduling some living is also important.

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  13. What a cute dog he was!!! Simply adorable. How sad his life was cut short and at such a low point already for your sister.

    It will be cathartic for both of you to be together at this time, DJan.

    Hope you get some good jumps while there.

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  14. Oh what a heartbreak. Your poor sister. Travel safe, DJan and know that we'll be thinking of you. Hugs.

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  15. Oh Djan, what a heartbreaking bit of news. I know your sister must just be stunned. I really do understand. We lost our beautiful and greatly loved golden retriever just three days after my Julie died in May. It was totally unexpected. He had cancer, which none of us knew even though he had been to vet frequently because he seemed off. He collapsed and we had to put him down. It seemed like our hearts were being handle more than we could bear. Please give your sister my love and sympathy.

    I'm glad you are going to be with her. It is important for both of you.

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  16. What a heart wrenching time. It's great that you can go for so long. It'll be a help to her, I'm sure. Good for you for planning some fun while you're there. I understand the guilty feeling, but you need to celebrate life as well as mourn.

    Good luck with the red eye. Traveling can be such a chore sometimes, particularly air travel. Still, what's important is that you're going. Fly safely.

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  17. Your sister's had a double dose of sorrow,my heart goes out to her,can't imagine how she must feel right now.

    Hope your going there will help her through this difficult time.Just so very sad.Take care.

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  18. Ouch! That's so tragic. Why is life like that sometimes? It almost seems like Pete couldn't bear to be without Moose!
    Take care during your travels. It won't be easy for any of you, I'm sure. At least you have each other.
    Star x

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  19. I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about your sister's dog. It's wonderful that you're able to be with her, and to have an adventure at the same time. Traveling mercies. Looking forward to hearing the stories.

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  20. Surely the bad luck must end now.
    You will be able to comfort and support your sister and if you spend a little time doing what you enjoy, you'll have all the more energy to be there for her.

    I won't say 'have fun', but I am sure I am allowed to say 'be kind to yourself'.

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  21. Crap..what else can possibly happen to make a bad week totally miserable for you poor sister. I am truly sorry for the loss of her four legged best friend.
    It is good that you are going..and good that you will be jumping..have some fun..I hope you share some fun and giggles with your sister too. Travel safe and keep us updated:)

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  22. Sounds like you're going to experience life on your trip. Talking and listening, laughing and crying and jumping!

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  23. Rather sad that Moose was killed as I'm sure he was a great comfort to his family at this time.
    I don't get too excited about people going to the sunny south. I really like winter although it's pretty nasty here today.
    Have a good trip.

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  24. I'm glad you're going to be with your sister. She needs you there. The sudden loss of Moose breaks my heart, that's how we lost our last dog, Max.

    We will miss you on our hikes/walks and will be glad when you are back again. Safe journey.

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  25. You are so tuned in to people and how they are that you will be able to be there for your sister in a loving way and still allow her her personal grieving and introspection time. You know this is something you cannot do for her, having lived through some grieving of your own. Take care of you too and I hope to see some pics of your jump.

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  26. What a wonderful sister you are! Safe flying!

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  27. Hope all is going well. The weather here is really beautiful now. You should be able to get in a jump!

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  28. So sad... Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.

    Safe travels. jj

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  29. I know you will be a great comfort for your sister!

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  30. I am catching up since being distracted with my back pain...safe travels my dear one.

    I hated to hear of Moose's passing. I know he would have been such a comfort to NJ. They sure shared a big ol chunk of life together and for me, it is what we all hope for...

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