Journey. Photo by Ruth Sullivan

I’m on a journey. It’s beautiful here in Maryland. The sun is shining. It is warm and from my room, I can see there’s a slight breeze. It faces a beautiful atrium with dogwood trees in full bloom. I’d love to go on a stroll, but all I have to wear is my rumpled, travel clothing. Yes they lost my luggage.

Luggage before their long journey

Our first flight was cancelled and we unknowingly checked our bags into the kiosk. After going through security, we discovered our flight was cancelled. Quickly we moved to our gate and spoke to the nice ticket agent who helped us after many clicks on her computer to find us a seat on another airline with a direct flight. I had nigglings of fear, changing airlines, hoping they’d get our luggage over to the other airline. We left our area and found the new gate. Our flight went very quickly. Isn’t that amazing how in 41/2 hours, we can go from one coast to another? A first world reality for sure.

After arriving here in Washington DC for a weekend Convention, we were dismayed that our luggage wasn’t in the baggage carousel. After long explanations about cancelled/re-booking, we headed to our beautiful hotel. Glass front gleaming in the sun we gazed up 19 stories high. I was disappointed we couldn’t lounge by the pool in the near 90 degree temps—not what I’ve been experiencing at home, where I’ve been wearing sweats and sweaters.

We made our way to the little downtown area and purchased needed items. We wandered up to our room, and Jim spent many minutes on the phone explaining over and over to several agents what our problem was.

As we walked down for coffee this morning, I was brought up short by a sign in a room. It read, “Medical/Wheelchair Repair Office”. In the room were various types of wheel chairs to assist those who needed a chair, or repairs. You see, there was a Paralyzed Veterans of America also meeting at this convention center.

I know my luggage loss during travel is a first world problem. But I’m very glad I live in the first world. We enjoy much—and I take my world for granted. I was caught up short, though, when I was reminded of others in the first world who have a different problem: they need wheel chairs and other nifty devices to get around in their world.

Repair room for wheel chairs

This late afternoon we were notified they found our luggage! Yeah! We could retrieve needed medication, and clothing we needed–or thought we did.

We had Mexican food for dinner by the waterfront. It was hot, but comfortable with a breeze gently blowing to keep us cool. We walked back to our hotel and listened to excellent speakers giving us much to think about. More about that later. Until next time, good night.

By the waterfront