Letter from the editor
Have you ever missed a flight? Bob and I can now check that off our bucket list—though truthfully, it was never on there to begin with.
After a relaxing weekend getaway, we arrived at the airport with what we hoped was enough time to make our flight. We were wrong. Our gate had closed just five minutes before we got there—and the next three flights? Already overbooked.
“We could get you on a plane Thursday morning,” the airline rep said matter-of-factly.
“Thursday?” I repeated, stunned. “Today is Monday!”
As the stress began to mount, I tried to hold my tongue. But I knew it was only a matter of time before we started turning on each other.
“If you hadn’t insisted on the Starbucks drive-thru …” Bob began.
“And if you didn’t have to save two cents by going to that out-of-the-way gas station,” I snapped.
Then the blame turned inward. We began retracing every little decision that brought us to this moment.
If only I left earlier. If only the shuttle had come sooner. If only it wasn’t rush hour. The “what-ifs” were endless.
To make matters worse, we had already returned the rental car. We had no transportation, no place to stay, and a growing list of responsibilities pulling us home. My mom was counting on me, and our two dogs were home alone. Our dog sitter had another commitment and had to leave that very day. The clock was ticking—and not in our favor.
In tears, I called our daughter. Thankfully, she worked some computer magic and managed to get us rebooked on a flight that day.
Twelve hours, three terminals, two overpriced sandwiches and one very tense layover later, we finally landed in Philadelphia.
The moral of the story? Time waits for no one. Travel—and life—will throw you curveballs. Leave early. Build in extra time. Expect the unexpected. And maybe, just maybe, skip the coffee run next time.
Ironically, this issue features a new perfume called “Time Can Wait”—inspired by the nostalgic scents of summer days spent in Ventnor. Perhaps, unlike flights and schedules, memories and fragrances can transcend time.
As we gear up for Memorial Day Weekend—the unofficial start to summer at the Jersey Shore—I’m reminded once again that time really does fly … but only if you make your plane.
Next time, you’ll find us first at the gate. Just in case.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
