Hey, it's Elder Esplin's Mom. I can't stop thinking about all the flights we have flown together as a "non-revenue" family. They have been a blessing in so many ways. The "adventures" we have gone on. I like to call them adventures because we never really know where we're going to end up. If flights fill up, we come up with a plan b, c and d. Or we wait it out, which could be for hours at a time. The gate changes, the tight connections have us on the run. The dirty airport floor and chairs have been some of our best of friends. Ty has had the opportunity to fly all around the world. To fly alone and to find his way around an airport. Thinking about all of this had me realize, he has been preparing for this very day. It was probably like just another day of "non-rev" life for him. My momma heart is feeling grateful! Here's the story:
1/29/2023 - Just in case you were wondering, He finally got his 2 large suitcases packed.
1/30/2023- Checked into Hotel near Ontario International Airport. I met him, Lincoln, Jace, Sophie and Char after work. We went for dinner at Haven Market City. He said bye to Char. He had found out before dinner that his first scheduled flight at 6 am was cancelled, due freezing rain in Dallas. After dinner he drove over to airport with Linc to see if they could find out how he was going to be rebooked. No one was at the counter. He received notification that he was booked on the 11 am flight out.
1/31/2023 - We were all exhausted from not being able to sleep. I think we were all feeling anxious. Someone may or may not have been snoring all night. 9 am I said bye to him and left for work at Terminal 2.
I wanted to go meet him so I could wait for his flight with him at the gate in Terminal 4, but he preferred we rip off the bandaid and not prolong the whole goodbye thing. So, I hugged him tight and went on with my day with a prayer in my heart.
Linc, Jace and Soph went over to Terminal 4 to check in with him. They got in the long line at the counter. The man behind them in line mentioned the flight was cancelled. They drove home and spoke with the Mission Travel desk and found out the flight had been rescheduled to the following day at 6:30 am.
I was getting ready to head home after work and Linc told me to stay. They were headed back down to Ontario. He said bye to Jace, Sophie and Neno's, AGAIN. Drove back down to Ontario, checked into another hotel by airport. I met them at the hotel. He met a few friends for dinner.
2/1/2023 - Said bye to Him AGAIN. He left for airport with Linc at 3:30 am. He checked into flight. Linc said bye then snuck a pic of him from the window.
Next thing I know, I'm getting a text from Linc that the flight tracker was showing He was still at Terminal 4.
The flight never left at 6:30 am. Which made him late for his connecting flight. He ended landing at the same time his Mexico City flight was leaving.
I a text from an unknown number....see in photo below.
ANOTHER cancelled flight. Headed to a new connection and new airline. They waited for hours before they left. I just kept praying they would make it where they needed to safe. I went to bed wondering and waiting for word.
2/2/2023 - Received the following email...
Just arrived with Elder Smith after a long day of traveling. It's currently 12.52 AM and we are in reception getting set up. I tried calling but I'm not sure if it worked. I think the next day ill be able to call is friday. But the city seems so cool so far and im excited for this week. We met some awesome customer service people in Phoenix that tried to send you a picture I hope you guys got it. Love you guys, tell everyone I said hi. Ill tell you all about my crazy day when we call. adios 😋 Elder Esplin
We can't wait to hear all about it on our call with him.
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