Turkish Airlines Made Me Cry
I’ve got another piece up on Frugal Travel Guy today. This time it’s pretty personal. My brother just moved to Africa, and he’ll never be back. I’ve got some intense conflicting feelings about this. Of course I’m thrilled for him: this has been a lifelong dream of his, and he traveled a long road to make it come true. Of course I’m also overwhelmed with sadness: he’s gone. I won’t be around to see his kids grow up, and it’s a long road to the small village where he now lives.
When I wrote the piece, I was very emotional. I didn’t take the time to fine-tooth-comb it, and I didn’t set it aside to let it season for awhile before I sent it in. I wanted to pay tribute to my brother, and it was meaningful to me to put it out into the world as soon as I could.
Well, someone took issue with the way part of it was worded, and now I’m sad all over again. Did the essence of my piece just get eclipsed by the way I described my brother’s childhood fantasy world? Did the meaning get lost because I omitted two critical words?
In spite of my oversight, I hope this piece is read the way I intended it to be read. I love my brother and now he’s gone. While points and miles can bring him closer, they can never bring him back.
Chad, I miss you.
Don’t let the people looking for downs bring you down. Your personal stories weaved into your tips have encouraged me to bust through my points-and-miles fears. I made it across the world and back since I started reading and I’m so grateful to you for helping me see how a little time and creativity – and the right coach! – can be the great equalizer. (Relatively speaking, of course.) I hope you won’t be discouraged from putting yourself out there. Your genuineness, humanity, and enthusiasm are uplifting. Anyone who’s been reading your blog long enough to get a sense of who you are couldn’t see your posts any other way.
pinkisnice – Thank you for the very kind words. I am so happy that I have helped you and I’m so flattered and happy that you enjoy reading my posts.
I must admit that I was a little discouraged this morning, but I’m BACK! You are so right – there are definitely people out there who are looking for downs. Personally I’m always looking for miracles and sparkly things, but hey – we’ve all got our own road to follow.
Thanks again for the encouragement!!!
Back in the ’80s I returned to college to major in journalism. I was promoted to editor of the college newspaper and had my own (humor) column. While over all I had a great response I was absolutely astonished at the responses from a few, some of them bordered on frightening. Their minds had little to do with what I had written.
Eventually I decided I was too private a person to continue down that road. This is all just to say that I think one needs to develop a thicker skin to arm oneself against the kooks and naysayers of the world. I hope you are able to do that because we want to continue to read your communications.
And, by the way, back in the ’50s when we were kids my SISTER wanted to be Tarzan. But then that’s another story.
Anne – Yet another thing we’ve got in common…writing! I was actually going to ask you if you were a writer because your comments are always so concise and grammatically correct (not to mention funny). 🙂
I think yesterday’s bunk comment bothered me so much because the piece I had written was so personal. In preparation for the next personal story I write, I will don my virtual armor and be ready for someone to try to knock me off my horse. Let ’em try! I’m not leaving the arena.
Thanks for the props.
And one more thing. I was fascinated to hear of your trying out for The Amazing race. What alot of courage you have. I hope you will write a bit more about that experience. I actually just discovered that show this year.
Uh yeah, a little bit out of “current” happenings out here in the ‘burbs.
Anne – maybe one of these days I will put my tryout videos online. They are priceless.
It was a wonderfully written piece! clearly WBTM has some unresolved issues. I have faith that you will most definitely see Chad again! How could you not, with your points and miles skills and knowledge. I’m envious, have always wanted to go to Cameroon! Adventure awaits!!!
Rebecca – exactly. Adventure awaits!! Onward!!
I could see what the commentator took issue with. I would as well, but your brother was young then, and hopefully he has a better understanding of what it means to be African today. Regardless, Turkish Airlines needs to get it together. Hope you can see your brother soon in Cameroon.
CTravlr – I completely agree with all of the above. And yes, Chad’s perception of Africa has changed a lot since he was a kid. Mine has, too!
Thanks.