In September 2014, it was the last time my Dad took an airplane flight.
My Uncle Johnny from Manitoba (the “Matchmaker’s” son, who also considered my Mom as his older Sister) well his son Silver and then fiancée, Ekaterina were getting married. My Dad did not want to travel anymore, but had always said that he would make the trip if one of our close friends’ / relatives’ son or daughter were getting married.
So having made that promise, he asked me to accompany him, which I of course did. It was going to be a short trip one province over, but i remember when making the reservations, at the last minute, i decided to upgrade to First Class since I thought , Why Not, he would never do it for himself and and he should feel what it’s like after all these years of waiting on everyone else.
Dad really is a creature of comfort, nothing really ostentatious or showy about him. He preferred his New Balance walking shoes, his Pittsburgh Penguins Jacket, his favourite blue jeans and plaid shirt and fishing vest with all the pockets... in contrast to the Oxford Loafers, Danier Leather Jacket or all of the designer named clothes we bought for him. On the day of the flight, I remember we arrived in the sitting area where you board. When the Announcement came on that First Class customers were called to the front of the line, my Dad and I walked up to the desk. I guess the Attendant looked at my Dad in his comfy clothes and the Lady said, “I’m sorry, but it’s First Class I called”. I kind of chuckled and said, we actually are in 1st class.i think I might have even thrown in that he is elderly with a cane so you should be letting him go first. Anyway, I’m so glad he had that chance to ride in luxury even though it was a short trip.
Landing into Winnipeg was like a feeling of coming home always for both my Mom and Dad. Dad worked in a few kitchens there, met his best friend there, married my mother there, we have family there, my Mom became best friends with the wife of Dad’s best friend... and on and on and on. As soon as we landed, Dad was treated like a King (how appropriate, name and all). Our Uncle Johnny and Auntie Angela met us at the airport and helped us get settled in our hotel room. We were then whisked off to a restaurant where my Dad’s best friend Uncle Graham and Auntie Linda’s family, extended family grandchildren etc had been waiting for over an hour for our arrival. I had no idea that they were waiting. I remember walking in and a huge table/ tables of people waiting to greet us. It was like he was a celebrity. Everyday, between Uncle Johnny and Auntie Linda they. had our itineraries planned out. They made sure every need and want of ours were catered to and looked after. I’m glad I made the trip with my Dad. Uncle Johnny and auntie Angela were able to visit with my Dad in Toronto a few times since that trip. They would call regularly to check in on him (and me, too).
Same with Uncle Graham. Pre-pandemic Auntie Linda, knew my dad’s schedule to a T... when he’d go out for coffee, when he’d return, what days and time his PSW’s come etc ... just so she and uncle could chat with Dad for a bit uninterrupted.
They are constant reminders of my Mother and how much we love her.... and how much we love our friends and family in Winnipeg who show us everyday what true friendship means.
