After a bevy of conversations with Mr. Pasa Doble, we both decided it was time to meet. Maybe for a facial rejuvenation consult or maybe just to meet. It would give me an excuse to travel to Seattle.

I decided to bite the bullet; booking a flight, preparing once again for the  unknown, I felt it necessary to let someone know  what I was up to. I notified my sister and she offered to come along. I reassured her I would be fine. After all how old was I? Geez

I packed my bags, mostly casual attire, along with one cute little black dress. This would be the first time that I’d travel a long distance to meet someone I’d never met. I wasn’t fearful, oddly enough, not even apprehensive, only excited.

The takeoff was smooth…but as we climbed it got bumpy! The winds whipped the plane around  as if I were on a roller coaster ride at Six Flags. I wasn’t a big fan of thrill seeking rides so I was nervous. I thought ” I’m going to die. How could I jeopardize my life for someone I’d never met?”

Grabbing the arm rest; clawing my nails deep as if I were at the dentists getting a root canal without Novocain!  I felt dread, anxiety and physically sick as my 63 years flashed before my eyes. The thrashing of luggage in the overhead bins, beverage carts flying down the narrow aisle only increased my fear.

DING! The seat belt sign illuminated. The pilot announced the turbulence would continue for another 30 minutes.  That didn’t seem to calm my anxieties any. I glanced at the passenger next to me. I wondered. Who is he? Is he meeting a loved one at the end of this crazy ride? Were we going to die together?

He looked my way and noticed my concern and began to talk to me, maybe to try and calm my anxieties. I didn’t want to talk. I was not processing, Small talk was not a good distraction for me. I couldn’t respond.

There was huge dip and plunge and then a leveling off of the plane. My heart jumped into my throat. I really couldn’t speak now! I wanted to vomit.

My aisle mate grabbed my hand with reassurance and swaddle me as if I were a child. I felt such gratitude; I was not alone.

 

For more on this story Ann Reichardt’s 2nd book THE NEW DANCE CARD, Looking For Love Online  will swoon be released. It is a follow up of her published memoir THE DANCE CARD, Looking For Love After Divorce available on Amazon. com Barnes& Noble, Kindle, Apple I-tunes