Editor’s Note: This is part three of a three-part series Gloria has written about her recent trip with her daughter Julia.
I walked next to Julia, we each had a roller suitcase and backpack and were pushing our way through throngs of people. I scanned the signs ahead. Yes, that’s what I was looking for, we need to go up one level then head for Terminal B.
Navigating my way through a new airport is something I enjoy, but today was a bit intense. Our prior flight had landed a tad late with our already tight schedule. There was no choice but to make every move count to get to the other end of the Denver airport to board the plane leaving for Columbus.
Without really thinking what I was doing I silently breathed an unusual prayer. Tho I wanted to go back to the children, it didn’t look like a simple feat.
“If you want to deeply show me your provision for the years to come, send someone in the airport I know,or some sort of token that I’ll know was from you.”
Julia and I kept scanning signs, walking on and on and on. It was definitely one of the larger airports I had traveled through. As we pushed through an extra full section I told Julia, “Imagine what it would be like to see someone from home out here a midst all these unfamiliar faces.” She looked at me like, “What makes you say that?”
We headed down two sets of escalators and waited for the next train going to Terminal B. As the doors opened, we pushed our way in, the doors shut, and we were off. A couple minutes later we were going back up the escalators and heading for B26
We were on our last set of moving sidewalks when something caught my attention, there on the — coming toward us there were a couple ladies with white coverings. Knowing there are thousands of plain people out there, I didn’t expect I’d recognize them. At that moment my eyes widen, The one in front is a widow I’ve known for years, behind her were two other ladies- it was Sharon! My beloved Aunt Sharon from Ohio! “SHARON!!”
Turning, she looked at me, it was her turn to be surprised, “Gloria! Where are you going?”
“Columbus.” That was it, they were gone, the — both swiftly moving in opposite direction didn’t give us time for another word, but oh! Yes, God did answer my prayer… never did I imagine I would see my dear Aunt Sharon, a mother to my cousin Amy, whose husband passed two months after Daniel went to heaven.
There was nothing left to do but to praise God. In my heart I knew, the God who made me will also look out for me no matter what.
And so we boarded the plane, not expecting any other significant events.
We settled in, relishing the last bit of our trip together. When the stewardess came passing out snacks, Julia and I both chose chocolate crisps. We were surprised when she handed each of us two packets. “You can have two,” she said, smiling sweetly. Then adding, “Would you also like some pretzels?”
The combination was delicious, but what made her give us three times as much as others around us? It didn’t seem right. Julia and I split our apple juice and sprite; pouring a bit of each into our cups with ice made a refreshing combination.
Next to me was a young girl from Columbus. She was one of those rare gems where you could just feel her genuine sweetness. She told about her job at a children’s hospital and how God had worked it all out for her to be there. When she heard me use Julia’s name she turned to Julia asking, “And what is your name? My name is Julia too!”
I was refreshed by her unfeigned kindness and transparency. I told her how I had asked God for a token of his provision and how I met my aunt. “And I take this time spent with you as another touch from God,” I said simply.
At that very moment the stewardess with the peculiar smile was there again. Handing two packs of more expensive snacks to us, she asked, “Would you also like these?”
We thanked her, with that she was gone; Julia and I looked at each other. Why did she do that? There is no way she knows our story.
My hopes to talk with her again never did come happen, instead we left the plane with grateful hearts to God, knowing that he touched us with his hand of loving provision for the third time. I trust the Lord will bless this lady who blessed us in such a unique way.
It was well after midnight when Julia and I arrived at Mary’s house in Danville, Ohio. The next morning I don’t know who was the happiest, the children or mama herself. The children were pleased to tell what and how they had been doing. According to reports, it went amazingly well. My dear sister-in-law ever so kindly said, “And if you need another break, we’ll do this again for you.”
Due to traffic jams we came home three hours later than the expected arrival time. It was long after dark when I opened the front door. What should be on our kitchen table but a whole pile of snacks, identical to the chocolate crisps and pretzels mix served by the stewardess! It’s true, though it’s really beyond my grasp, the snacks were bought and placed there by my mom, clueless of the significance it would have to our hearts.
Okay, I can’t give you the recipe for the United Airline snacks, however I can give you a yummy snack mix recipe Daniel always enjoyed. With his birthday coming up next we’ll probably make some in honor of him. Enjoy!
DELICIOUS DILL RANCH SNACK MIX
1 pkg dry Ranch seasoning mix
1 tbl. sour cream and onion powder or cheddar cheese pwd
1 teas dill seed
1/2 teas garlic salt
1/2 teas lemon pepper
1 cup cooking oil
10 quarts snacks or cereal such as Honeycomb, Chex, pretzels, crackers, Bugles, cheese curls, or anything crunchy.
Mix all seasonings into oil then drizzle over snacks. Mix well. Daniel’s family introduced us to the idea of dumping all snacks into a plastic trash bag. It is much easier to mix this way, especially if you are making a big batch. It is best after a day or two as the seasoning flavors blend into the snacks.
