Safety and Security Come First

Safety and Security Come First

It is actually May 17, 2012, and I am in the Radisson in Providence, RI. I am very tired, but too tired to sleep. Most of the clothing in my suitcase is soaked, and I have hung some up, hoping it will dry some overnight.
The day became weirder and weirder. Our flight that was going to be late by almost three hours was rescheduled to be late by just an hour. As we were getting ready to board the plan, it was determined there was a mechanical problem on the plan, and the next available plane did not arrive until almost 8 PM. Which would get us into Providence after 1030. I called the hotel and rental car to confirm my reservations, but to let them know that I would be late. We finally were airborne.
There was constant turbulence on the flight. So much so, the attendants stayed seated the entire flight. When someone lit the call button, it was answered, and then we were told not to do that unless it was an emergency, and to stay in our seats, not even to get up to use the restroom. We were diverted to Baltimore because the fog was so bad at Providence. The turbulence was so bad the attendants stayed seated and used “the honor system” for pre-landing instructions.
Most people were disgusted with the fog excuse. We landed in Baltimore and had to change planes. The trip to Providence was uneventful, and mostly clear, until we were in our final descent. The fog was so thick we could not see ground lights or anything. A buzz went up, people were finally aware how dangerous this situation was. But the air cleared as we closed in on the ground, and the landing was a safe one.
With the airline, safety and security came first. Intellectually, I know that is right, but I sometimes “push it.” Like my decision to try to drive into York after we were supposed to land at 10:30 at night. I knew I was tired, and driving in the dark on unfamiliar roads would be quite a trial. Which is why I opted for the Providence route, as, if it happened as scheduled, I would have landed early enough that the trip would not have been a trial.
As we were flying towards Providence from Orlando, I was stressed and had to re-think my decision, but kept thinking I would try the trip. God took it out of my hands, as the diversion to Baltimore ensured that we landed well after the car rental counters were closed. I called the rental dealer and changed my reservation for in the morning.
I got a hotel in Providence. My room is paid for at the resort where my niece’s wedding will be, so I can check in when I get there, rather than wait for check in time.
I need to remember that safety and security should always come first, no matter the price.
I have been putting off getting the tree near the house trimmed. But there are some dead branches in it, and they could easily be pulled off the tree in high winds, and do damage to the house. I have decided to contact a tree trimmer. It will be less expensive than the deductible on an insurance claim. Safety and security do come first.