I just returned from a five-day trip to San Francisco. We had to coordinate the schedules of seven people with the home schedules of the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s. Three of us had mothers with health issues on the day prior to our planned departure.

The flight was delayed several times. It was certainly a rocky start. Fortunately, everything worked out and we were all able to make the trip, although we landed in San Francisco around 1 a.m. Saturday. We were all still tired at breakfast on Saturday, but we were also relieved and ready for the trip to unfold.

I returned home late Tuesday evening after more flight delays. I dropped my bag in the house and grabbed a Coke. I immediately went to my yard to relax with my beverage. Planning a trip like this is always rough. The delays and the parental health concerns made it even harder.

It was a ton of fun, but it was also good to be home. I sat in my yard for a long time until I started to drift to sleep. During that time, I was thankful that our mothers were all doing much better. I felt fortunate that I was able to spend quality time with my friends in a new city for us. I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to worry about flights, schedules, weather or anything else. Finally, I dragged myself into my house and headed for the couch for some late-night television-watching.

I lasted about 15 minutes before I succumbed to sleep. Before nodding off, though, I felt great knowing that despite all of the obstacles, I had a great time. I also felt very happy that I was home safe and sound and ready for the rest of the week.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist