Sometimes redemption is just a breath away, and by the time I had breathed and stepped off the plane in San Diego, our dilemma had changed shape and things had turned remarkably better.

I had had an amazing conversation with the overgrown man whom I was squished in beside, and J had somehow pawned a ticket off of another passenger and was now boarding a much earlier flight than we had anticipated.

Southwest had apologized and given us $1300, which coincidentally, was more than I could have sued them for, (AHEM!) and J, like the competent person that he is, had arranged for concierge to pick me up from the airport, as soon as I got there.

By the time that warm California breeze hit my face, I had stopped raging, and I was quickly becoming peaceful and happy again.

When I got to the Hotel del Coronado, there were about four different people, ready to take my bags and show me to our room.

I gasped a little when I turned a corner and saw this.

Gorgeousness everywhere!

I had toured the hotel grounds with my brother, about a year before, and I was completely blown away by its rich history and beauty, but never in my wildest dreams did I think we could ever afford to stay there, much less, in a presidential suite down by the water!

But that’s how good God is. (And that’s how much He loves to surprise me!:))

 

I opened the back door to see the view, and I instantly forgot all about our problems getting here.

The ocean was more beautiful than I had even remembered, it ALWAYS is, and the palm trees seemed to welcome me back, in their own divinely orchestrated way.

I walked out and breathed in the salty air and knew that whatever we had to go through to get here, it was worth it.

I meandered my way to the outdoor lounge area, ordered up a tall mojito, looked out at the sparkling waters, and thought about how magical life really is. Even when pregnant ladies don’t let your husband on the same flight as you.

Mm hm.

And so it was that the next three days were filled with the most magical moments of saltwater and moonlight and boat rides across the bay. Of morning walks and drinking coffee on the beach, and evening hikes up to the cliffs to see the sunset with my lover.

We even got to hang with my brother and his wife, and he gave us the grand tour of his ship, while we were there!

Such a beautiful time!

In the end, I knew that nothing is ever really as it seems, and when you have a little faith, there is nothing that can’t be redeemed.

Alas, I learned that life is what you make it, and all the airport silliness in the world can’t keep THIS ONE from having a good time at the beach!

Next time!