Solo

"Can I hold him one more time before I leave?"
I'm on my first solo trip since Liam was born, going to Los Angeles for a conference. Will is off work this week and my two William's are going to have a fun time together. I sure was sad to leave them this morning. It's only two days but it's hard being away, especially since I'm still breastfeeding.

"Bag check here!"
I had to haul along my pump, which is heavy, plus the security people got curious about it and wanted to inspect it. I was not crazy about them touching my equipment with their not-so-clean hands. And then I had to use the thing in the airplane lavatory while the plane was jostling me around.

"Let me treat you to some coffee."
Every time I go to the Minneapolis airport I run into people I know from when I used to work in the HR office there. We hired a lot of immigrants, particularly Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees getting their first job in America, and it's amazing how many of these employees are still there after 10 years. This morning I stopped at Starbucks, and there was Senait, who gave me a kiss on each cheek and a free coffee. We chatted for a minute and it occurred to me that we didn't used to be able to talk like that, since when we worked together she was still learning English and every conversation was a struggle. Some of my former coworkers have told me how much they appreciated the company taking a risk on hiring them, and they know I was an advocate and had faith in them. I wish I could tell each of them how much I appreciate their optimism and humility. Senait, Abrehet, Melkias, Mohammed, Akwai, Tenzing...you are all delightful people and I'm glad you have succeeded.