Not what I had planned

Today's plans were thrown out the window early this morning when I got the call that my grandfather had passed.   It wasn't unexpected but it still is difficult.  Throughout the course of the day I have had many revelations.

First off I have been incredibility fortunate to have known my grandfather for 41 years.   I always loved hearing his stories growing up and going to visit him.    As my career and life choices have moved me further from the east coast I haven't been able to see my family as often as I would have liked.   I am very thankful I managed a visit to NY this summer and was able to see him then.  He will be greatly missed and I am very sorry that he won't be able to meet junior.  

It is hard enough trying to make last minute travel arrangements but things are complicated with junior.  Shortly after getting the call this morning.  I called our case worker to find out what needs to be done.  We need permission to travel out of state with junior, plus he will be missing school for 4 days.  I wish it didn't take as long but we need a day of travel each way.   I have booked our flights hopefully we get the letter and permission to travel by tomorrow.

Booking flights at the last minute is never easy.  On none of our 4 flights are we sitting together and we both have middle seats which makes it tough to swap seats.   On one hand this may be nice but I am not sure strangers will want to take care of junior on a flight.   We have loaded his tablet with movies and games so I am sure it will be an easy flight.     I am also silently hoping we can get a upgrade,  what 6 year old wouldn't like flying first class.

I was a bit surprised to learn that United Airlines no longer offers bereavement fares.  Last minute fares are not cheap and a 5-10% discount won't bankrupt the airline, but I am sure they have their reasons.  

Finally this is not the way I had envisioned taking junior home to meet my family.  We have been trying to introduce him in small numbers to family members and even then it takes him a while to warm up to people. Luckily he met my father over Thanksgiving and will have his cousins to play with that should help.