I LOVED My Gift!

Dear Friend,

“What’s one of the greatest challenges you guys face over here?” you asked Peter.

The response came easily, ” We really miss our boys,Jordan and Joel, who are in school in Toronto. I’ve been back to Canada a few times but it’s been a year and a half since Pat has seen them.”

“Well, what if I flew them to Thailand for Christmas?”

Wow! What a generous offer! We could not believe it. But… the boys had to work over the holidays and were not able to get away. That’s when we wondered if you would consider flying me to be with the boys in Canada instead. You graciously and without hesitation said, “Yes.”

We checked out the flights and booked my ticket with Cathay Pacific. I could not believe it that I would be seeing my boys on New Year’s day. When I sat down in my seat, ready for the 16 hours in 54K, I was looking forward to some of the good movies. To my dismay, there was no electricity at my seat. There was no electricity in the entire section, starting with 54K. That’s when we found out the airline would compensate by upgrading us to business class. Woot! Movies and a bed!

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So to you, friend, I want to say thank-you. The January snow, the clear cold air, the sleepy train rides on the Yonge line, and chilly waits for the 106 bus, the crowds downtown and the unexpected upgrade to a business class flight all made for a great trip. Two sons and two good friends waiting at terminal 3 in Lester B met me with borrowed  coat and sweaters, boots and mittens that fit well, strangely. One childhood friend, one high school friend, one long lost niece, and a few bosom friends shared their time, their fireplaces and their best coffees with us. Ten small days of cooking and eating and touring and relaxing in Toronto with Jordan and Joel were better for this mother’s heart than a year and a half’s worth of Skype , sms or phone calls.

You did a good thing. I really and truly appreciate your gift.

Sincerely,

Pat

We got to visit with Holly, my niece.

My first winter in 10 years!

Moon Bean Cafe at Kensington Market

Kensington Market with Joel and Andrew

Going to OCAD with Joel

Downtown with Jordan

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Tags: Cathay Pacific, Joel, Jordan, OCAD, Toronto