We business travelers miss things at home. Because of our jobs, we have all missed plays, recitals, concerts, etc. I already missed a pair of basketball games this year. I have already had a busy year with work. It is only early February, but I have spent three weeks away from home. I was looking forward to a week at home, just working on projects in my office. But that was not meant to be.
My daughter is in the midst of a trip to Chicago with her church musical group performing the musical, Fiddler on the Roof. It has been planned for months, with my 14 year old Sara becoming progressively more and more excited as her date of departure approached. Sara is a road warrior in her own right, having traveled to places as diverse as Los Angeles, Nashville, Columbus, Sydney, and Auckland. Therefore, you would think that a simple trip to Chicago would be old hat. Well, it’s not. The chance to travel for a week, touring the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois with her friends has her more excited than I have ever seen her.
Knowing I have had a busy year, my boss reluctantly asked if I would be willing to visit another client in the Chicagoland area sometime in the next few weeks. I know that I shocked him when I asked if I could go this week.
Who, among we weary travelers, would turn down the opportunity to see their child’s play while they are traveling? Add in the thrill of surprising my daughter and it really is a no brainer.
Armed with my daughter’s group itinerary, I planned my flight so that I could be at the observation deck of the Willis Tower (Formerly Sears Tower) when her group arrived. My flight was on time, and I made it before they arrived upstairs. Accompanied by a stuffed animal that she would instantly recognize, I planted the stuffed Stitch (My favorite Disney character, a fellow traveler from the movie Lilo and Stitch) where he would be seen almost immediately.
She came off the elevator and walked right past Stitch to look at the vista before her. The view from Willis Tower is quite impressive. I had to tap her on the shoulder to get her attention. She stuttered a few times, “What the … What are you … Why are you here?” There were a few hugs and a few tears (Man tears, gosh darn it), and a trip that will not be soon forgotten. We walked around the observation deck for a while, and then she started migrating back to her friends. She went on to check into her hotel, and I left for mine. It was maybe an hour we spent together, but it is an hour that will stick in my memory.
I am going to be in Northbrook, Il., Tuesday night to see the play. If anyone in the area around Chicago wants to come visit, the show starts at 7:30PM, 2/16/10. I’ll be the proud dad sitting in the back.
Travel is tough these days. Long lines, small planes and grouchy TSA agents make our days flying no more fun than a visit to the dentist. However, it is small victories like this, when you can leverage your traveling experience into a story you will tell for years, which make it fun.
