Barbara J. Hamby

sign-up for our email list

Gathering of the Clan

Friday morning I drove to Tukwila, Washington (south of Seattle) to check in at the motel where I’d be sleeping over the weekend and make certain there would be an extra bed on Saturday night for my daughter and son-in-law. Then I drove to Sea-Tac airport to meet my youngest sister and her husband of fifty years, who would be the guests of honor for the festivities on Sunday.

Wouldn’t you know the one time I actually arrived at the airport early, their flight had arrived even earlier, about half an hour ahead of schedule. I parked the car, walked inside to learn their plane had landed and realized I had left their cell phone numbers in the car.

On my way back out to the parking lot, juggling my purse, cell phone, and car keys, I tripped on a curb and made a three point landing on rough asphalt. I left a deposit of skin from both knees and one arm.

As I sat, attempting to regain my composure and muttering expletives, a small crowd gathered. A man and woman advised me not to try to get up on my knees and each offered an arm to lift me up. I thanked them profusely, assured everyone I was okay, and took the few steps to my car where I had a small first-aid kit.

While I cleaned and bandaged my bleeding body, I tried to pick up a message from my sister on my cell phone. I gave up and called her to tell her where I was parked and asked them to come to me, which they did.

Since I was still a little shaken up, I asked my sister to drive us in my car to my Seattle sister’s house who was to be our dinner hostess that evening. She agreed.

I just now remembered the last time she and I drove to that sister’s house together, we left Portland and stopped for lunch half way up when I discovered I’d left my driver’s license in my swim bag, so she drove my car the rest of the trip. Fortunately, she likes to drive.

(to be continued)

Permalink