All Planned Out

10,000 miles up in the air, flying high with a friend, off an adventure we’ve planned for months, down to the slightest detail. We’ve had lists we’ve created, crossed off and double checked with each other. A long layover in Minneapolis has been coordinated with my agent for a dinner we’ve got dialed down to the minute. We’ve confirmed flights, hotels, cabs, you name it.

We’ve thought of everything.

What we didn’t have on our list was one of my closest cousin’s husband, dying at age 46, leaving her a widow at 44, the mother of a 10, 12 and 15-year-old.

Didn’t plan for me to be only 236 miles away in Iowa from their home near Chicago.

Didn’t plan for me to be on vacation while someone I love watches her life change in a single moment.

Didn’t plan on being so close yet so far.

Didn’t plan on changing my plans to drive from Iowa City on Thursday to be in Chicago in time for the funeral on Friday.

Didn’t plan to extend my stay and see if I can help.

Didn’t plan for others to be there at the beginning, not needing me until later, when I can easily be there.

Didn’t plan on Thursday being later.

Didn’t plan on being so thankful I can be where I need to be, when I need to be there.

Couldn’t have planned that.

* Photo from http://margosawyer.com