A Great Experience

I am back needed a break for a little while.  Needed to clear my thoughts and try to figure out my life.  Had a great time at Pathoflife's Gathering, met a lot of wonderful people shared some tears and laughter.  It was my first journey without my kids or my husband but as some would say I brought a chaperone (LOL).  It was truly an interesting experience learning to fly solo without your significant other to hold your hand.  Going through the airport being checked out and checking the men out.  Being picked up at the airport by Pathoflife and going eat out with her didn't feel like a stranger at all, but a family member.  Going to the airport to welcome John Flynn, only for his airplane to be 2 hrs. late, so we sat at the airport and witnessed the veteran's coming in off the plane with a special welcome home.  Truly was a rewarding experience as these were men and women from World war I or II, most were in wheelchairs being wheeled in but so proud and everyone clapping the smiles on their faces were priceless.  And then finally John Flynn arrived safe and sound, but sick non the less, so off to Pathoflife's we all went.  We chatted for a while and then back to the hotel room.  Got up the next morning and back to Pathoflife's.  She showed us how they make syrup and we all went walk through the woods she showed us how they tap the trees and the markings on the trees.  We all gathered around for lunch and it was delicious.  Later there were smores and hot dogs at the campfire that was built by her grandchildren and John Flynn.  Sunday morning we woke up went back to Pathoflife's and a few of us went to Church.  The Church was huge, never saw anything like it absolutely breathtaking.  After we ate Lunch together and then it was off to sightseeing.  She showed us the college where she worked and we all walked along the grounds it was beautiful.  We also went to a little town  where they were decorating the covered bridge and the grounds with lights.  It was quite a unique experience.  With John Flynn driving on the right side of the road.  Yes we were the guinea pigs before he would take off on his travels alone on the road.  We returned to Pathoflife's ate supper and chatted till the wee hours of the morning only to arrive at our hotel at 3:00 a.m. to have to wake up at 7:00 so we could catch our flight home.  We made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.  To each and everyone of you that came I thank you for your kindness for those of you who couldn't make it I highly recommend you try to make the next one.  This was my first journey and I do not intend to let it be my last.  Blessings to all.  Andree'

Replies

kdbcomputer
kdbcomputer

Sounds like a wonderful trip. Congrats on your courage to fly unassisted. I appreciate your sharing the details with us.

Karl
deleted_user
deleted_user

Wish I could have been there it sounds wonderful.
gone2soon
gone2soon

Sounds like I missed a lot. But I enjoyed the day I spent with you guys. Glad to have met you personally. Hugs, Anne
pathoflife
pathoflife

Andree\',

We sure did pack in a lot over that weekend, and it was a blast. Something that I didn\'t count on was being able to participant in welcoming the \"Honor Flight\" members at the airport. It brought tears to many eyes as we witnessed those brave men and women filing in after a very special experience at Washington, DC. The sightseeing on Sunday after lunch was a spur of the moment thingy that turned out to be a real memory-maker. I was beginning to see my surroundings with new eyes as you all enjoyed the scenery, gristmill, and the covered bridges. I pass them almost every day, and I guess I have taken their beauty for granted. Loved having you and Donna, and hope you will be able to catch the next Gathering. Aren\'t they grand!!!!!! TJ
Joely
Joely

Andree\' ~~ was so good to meet you and Donna too, of course. Finding out that the gatherings are very special is such a wonderful feeling, isn\'t it?
Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.
I felt so blessed to be able to watch and participate as the WWII veterans returned from their excursion to Wash DC and be met by the young members of ROTC or ??? and the drill sergeant! :-) The music and the clapping was wonderful to hear and such a thrill to see those vets with huge smiles on their faces and tears rolling down their cheeks. It was a very moving experience!
Then John arrived and we moved on to TJ\'s, and happy chatter, etc. Late nights of talking, talking, and did I say .... talking? LOL Great time and wonderful memories were made. I was so happy to meet several more DSers -- face to face.
Hugs, Joely
tink59
tink59

Sorry, but I forgot to mention the Ginger Snap Cookies and the \"HOT FUDGE SUNDAES\" and somebody had to try it with T.J\'s special \"MAPLE SYRUP\"! Boy did we eat well! T.J. spoiled all of us! LOL, Dra\'