goodbye

5 weeks goes by too fast

The 5 weeks went by quickly, but every moment of them was special. 

Saturday, I tried so hard not to break down.  There was no reason to have a scene in front of the boys.  We took a few movies on my camera, they wrote me some notes telling me how much I loved them and I packed them a backpack full of goodies and things to do on the plane.  I asked if they wanted take some photos back and Andy told me that he might not be able to keep them but that memories were better than pictures dad.    Andy wrote me a note... all it says is "Hi, I miss you Dad.  I hope you are not sad.  Love Andy." He said he couldn't write anymore and he had tears in his eyes.   Alex said that he would try to write me from his Mom's house.  

We went to lunch at the Rib Crib, the boys love that place.  I took them to a bookstore to get something to read and Andy picked out a Spiderman coloring book, Alex got a Garden Train Magazine.   We got to the airport and we waited by the gate.  Alex was excited when he saw that the plane was the Blue version of Southwest airlines.  We watched as kids got off the plane and met their moms and dads.  They didn't feel too nervous about flying.  I told them how it was going to work, and told them that in a couple of trips they will be professional flyers, just like that little girl over there with her mom.  I had written the boys a note and I gave it to Alex for both of them to read on the plane.  I just told them not to forget their trip, but most of all to never forget that their Dad loves them very much.  Both of the boys were nervous about the note, worried that their mom would find it.  Alex said that he would put it in his magazine. I told them that they don't have to keep it, just read it on the plane.

I tried not to cry as we waited by the pre board area.  Andy saw me and said "Dad, please don't cry, I want to be a professional flyer"  I didn't, I held the tears back... up until I saw them go down that jetway and turn around just before they went through the last door.. they waved back and said.. bye"  The tears came out, but they didn't see them.  I put my sunglasses on and went to the window to watch their plane take off.  It seemed like it took forever to get that plane loaded, but I guess they were the first on the plane.  I took some photos at the airport and posted them below.   

After the plane was in the air and I was in my car, I called my ex wife and her mother answered the phone.  I told her that the boys were on their way and told her that my ex could check in with Southwest and meet them at the gate.  She told me that already knew that.  I said.. ok and goodbye.

I called about an hour after the boys were supposed to be back and there was no answer. I called again an hour later and was surprised when my ex answered the phone.  I asked if the boys were there ok and she said yes.  I asked if they were alright and she said they were fine.  I said thanks and hung up.

Here are some photos... Alex took the one of Andy and I but Andy couldn't get the camera to work so I held the camera for the phot of Alex and me.





We had an incredible 5 weeks. I know that they won't forget.