Flyin' Solo

Jemma spent 12 days away from home at the beginning of January and at the end of her homeschool swap out in Albuquerque with the Gariety's, flew home unaccompanied. I was so nervous the whole day she was scheduled to fly home...but I shouldn't have been, cuz it was Jemma.

Her Aunt Sharee (my sister) made sure she was all set and boarded on the airplane and Brandon had the privilege of picking her up in Oakland. I wish I could get him to type up this story, but for some reason, he has NOT done it. I even uploaded the pics he took at the airport for him, but alas, no commentary from Brandon. I have waited long enough, and although it would be better told in his words, (since he was actually there), I will do my best to relate it.

Brandon was waiting at the gate for Jemma. The passengers were already coming off the plane, and while he waited, a lady came off the plane, walked his way, then turned and stood beside him. He didn't think a whole lot of it...just that perhaps she was waiting for someone as well. Turns out she was...after not to long, she turned to him and said, "You must be Brandon. I'm waiting for Jemma too. My name's Kristina and I sat by Jemma on the plane". She went on to say that it was the most enjoyable and interesting flight she had ever been on. Jemma had colored princess pictures for her and filled her in on all the nitty-gritty details of the Reed household, and Kristina, in turn, had taught her to draw stars. Leave it to Jemma talk her ear off the entire flight. Why was I not surprised.

Here's Jem comin' off the plane.

Jemma and Kristina.

Although I will probably never have an opportunity to thank this woman in person, I just want to say that I am OH-SO-GRATEFUL that this woman sat next to my daughter and allowed her to just be "Jemma" for the duration of the 2 hour flight. :)

When she got home, I asked her what she missed most. Without hesitation, she responded, "My brothers!"...Mom and Dad were a close 2nd though. :)
We sure missed our Jemma-Lou (No, that's not her middle name, just a nickname we can't seem to let go of). I still can't believe she was gone for 12 days and that she flew home solo. What a big girl she is! Love you big and are so glad you're home again.