So we got up the next morning and were in no hurry to get anywhere. Check in wasn't until 4pm and we couldn't go off base. So we chilled, and with the one bathroom the three of us each took our turn getting ready. We had lunch and then I wanted to explore the Air Forces' second largest BX. And I tell you what! This place was huge! It was like our PX plus our 4Seasons, plus 20%. I was kind of bummed their book section was SO small... maybe it was because they had their own bookstore down stairs!! Oh my heart!
Got back and I took a nap while the others chatted; 20 minutes and drool everywhere! Loaded up and headed over to check in. More waiting and getting to know other passengers and tips and tricks. Poor lovely lady though. Since this was her home, she had to say good bye again. (Long story, not important) What is important is that her husband was there as long as he could walk through security and she was so sad and torn up about leaving. It was sad, but precious at the same time that she loved him so much she was ready and willing to stay. It broke and melted my heart. You would think I was dead. :P But we loaded up and couldn't sit next to each other this time but I got the 'window' seat and was able to lean back and actually got some good sleep.
The poor crew though. We all ordered a meal box but they didn't load enough and they were trying to satisfy everyone for this long flight. I mean, they even went to the crew's food and split it up and handed out tiny tin foils of about 8 chunks of chicken breast. It amazed me the lengths they went to to make sure we were happy. We are not paying a cent and they are not getting paid any extra. This is just a flight that was going to be flying anyway and we happened to make it. But they were trying so hard. It was precious.
We landed in Hickam, HI at 11ish. Just in time for lunch. We walked and found a hole-in-the-wall sushi place. The elderly wife and I went for a walk to enjoy the beautiful weather of Hawaii. We were right next to the freeway and a ton of car dealerships but I was not going to let that bring me down. We walked and found a small creek and crawled down to the bank. The wife was about 70 years old, at least, full white hair and wrinkly. I am bad at age guessing. But she was spunky and adventurous and yet one of THE nicest people I have met. Always looking at how to make your life better. After some encouragement from me, I got her to walk down the steep way to the bank. We sat and talked for a good while. She really helped me figure out a few things for my life, some great advise. We stuck around until the wind pick up and the tide slapped my bum.
By the time I got back to the hotel I had a friend say that she was willing to take me across the island to see the LDS temple. A quick stop for dinner and met her husband. The trash bin says Mahalo instead of Thanks. :) Its the little things. At the temple it had gotten dark so all the lights were on. We looked around and read the information about the frescas. It was beautiful to see the temple my parents were sealed in. It was gorgeous and I was glad to learn more about them. I am grateful for temples and knowing that our family will be sealed together forever. If heaven is half as beautiful and peaceful as visiting the temple, I fear not death and look forward to living in happiness forever with my family. My mind cannot begin to fathom how magnificent it will be.
The next day we had to get up early to make it to roll-call and board the plane for the last time. I slept more then I expected/wanted but when we landed I felt fine. When it was all time to go our separate ways I made sure to get pictures with my new found friends. I am grateful for their friendships and helps. I hope to stay in touch with them. This trip was something I will always remember. It was quite the adventure and I really grew a ton. I will definitely be trying Space A more and exploring all over now. And in so doing, I hope I will make more new friends.
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