My sister Linda surprised me when she broke down in tears too, however Pauline was as expected, she casually said "do you think that shop sells fruitella's?" as she walked over to her car knowing she won't see us for a couple of years lol.
I couldn't sleep AT ALL that night. It's bad enough trying to go to sleep when you have a flight to catch the next day anyway, but knowing this is your last night in the country you were born in (until I visit), knowing the flight you're about to get onto the next day is ONE WAY!
The alarm went off at 3am, I hadn't been to sleep. When we all got into the taxi to take us to the airport we realised we weren't sure which terminal we had to go to, so we had to stop off at my mum's on the way to get the info. We'd already said our goodbyes so that breif encounter wasn't emotional, although I'm pretty sure she probably cried again as our taxi drove off! I didn't have time for tears by then!
However, once we were about to board the plane, a gush of emotion came over me and I couldn't stop crying. The flight attendant asked me "scared of flying?" with a concerned look on her face. I told her yes and gave her a half assed smile - well I wasn't lying, I hate flying!
Well, as the plane was about to take off, this is usually when I start to cry and panic, but my boys grabbed my focus and we all cheerfully waved goodbye to England as the plane took off! Instead of crying, I was happy and cheering! I think I'm FINALLY over my fear of flying!! I wasn't scared once during the whole flight! Until I remembered I have to go through immigration at Chicago airport, then I got a little worried! Thankfully I had everything in order, they only took my thumb print and that was it!! I was expecting a long interview and possibly being deported then and there! lol
Once we got our luggage we walked through the gate and saw Shane's cousin Tedra straight away. We chilled out for a bit, had a little McDonalds then made our way to Indiana.
It was amazing to see the Chicago skyline! Even though I'd been here many times before, I still couldn't quite believe I'm here!
After taking a few photos I chilled out a bit and tried to shut my eyes for a while - it's a 5 hour drive afterall, after an 8 hour flight! I still can't believe Tedra drove all the way from Indianapolis, to Chicago, to Terre Haute and back home again! We owe her!!
I can't remember what time it was, maybe around 2am, but we made it to Shane's parents house at last. We were all so excited! The kids were pleased to see their grandparents again after so many years! Draven remembered them but Brandon had no idea, but he went with it bless him, he settled in right away!
When we finally got to bed, every time I closed my eyes, I felt like I was back in our crappy little flat in England, then I'd hear the sound of the freight train going by and with a smile I knew I was back home in Indiana!
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| Waiting at Heathrow Airport |
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| My boys were cold, bless them! |
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| View as we landed |
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| Draven loved having his own suitcase |
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| Leaving Chicago Airport |
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| Chicago! |
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| I'm home! :) |
