Airport Shenanigans

This summer my 4-year-old son Rapha and I traveled to the U.S. to hang with Papa Itzik and Savta (Grandma, Hebrew) Ruti in Cincinnati. We also jetted out West to visit friends and family in San Francisco.

The night we left San Francisco, I stood at the departure counter ironing out a ticketing problem with a United Airlines agent while Rapha lolled atop our suitcase. Without warning, he suddenly announced he didn't feel so hot and proceeded to empty his stomach contents onto the carpet. Repeatedly.

Oddly enough, I was pretty calm. I rubbed his back while cooing soothingly, smoothed his hair from his forehead and offered water when a very kind soul in the incredibly long line handed me her bottle and a stack of tissues while another dear heart spread newspapers over the soiled carpet.

Freshly ticketed and ready to go, we went to the toilets to change clothing. Note to Parents: ALWAYS carry spare clothing. ALWAYS. Several sets. No sooner was Rapha dressed in fresh togs, than...yep, all over again on the bathroom floor and himself.

Note #2 to Parents: When, prior to departure, very well-intentioned friends and family members insist on getting junior a "last candy" "last ice-cream" or any other "last stomach filler crammed in with all that other garbage that makes a kid sick in public" politely decline. It WILL hurt him/her.

Final Note to Parents: Wanna clear security in record time? This is the kid who threw up in the bathroom and at the counter! Clear the way! yelled Joe Checker as he opened a secret passage for us alone.

Upstairs in the departure lounge armed with a plastic bag and Rapha napping beside me after his exhausting exertion, I phoned my brother Andrew. "Hey. Remember that mango gelato you got Rapha before we headed to the airport? Well I just wanted to let you know it is now all over the airport floor. Everywhere."

"Brah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.." Andrew's evil laughter erupted down the line in a manner only a brother can muster. Family support. It's a wonderful thing.

"Wait a minute, Andrew. Rapha? Do you feel sick again sweetie? Oh shit--"

I am sharing this because a friend shared this story with me today. No connection other than the airport factor. Enjoy anyway.