“Flight attendants, please prepare the cabin for takeoff”.  Hearing those words makes my palms a little sweaty.  Every time.  I’m not really afraid of flying, but I admit, I get a little nervous.  As the plane starts to taxi down the runway a booming voice is in the air.  God?  No, just the pilot.  “We will not be de-icing the plane this evening, so we will have a short taxi before we’re on our way.”  What?  WHY NOT?!  I mean, its winter!  There’s ICE!  And isn’t that BAD?  Ok, maybe I have a slight fear of flying…

The plane starts to go faster and faster, every bump on the runway magnified, and I say a little prayer.  ‘Hey there God.  How are ya?  First of all, thank you for all the wonderful things I have in my life right now.  Yes, I do feel blessed.  Just a quick little request here, if you could, you know, please let us not crash?  And please let there be no ice.  Thank you.  With you, all things are possible.  Like landing.  In one piece.  This is Jill by the way.  Ok, amen.’  We get off the ground, make our way to our first layover, and finally, to Colorado where family is waiting.  As nervous as I may be on that plane, I always remember, the final destination is worth doing the things that I’m afraid of.  So Happy Holidays, and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the season.  I wish you joy and courage to take the risks, whatever they may be, to make your destinations in life.  It’s worth it.

Merry Christmas and safe travels to you and yours this holiday season.