[Waldo]

9/11 really changed my attitude about travel (well, duh) and how I deal with the challenges.

This isn't my story, but I'm sharing it because it's a good one and Medusa's story reminded me of it.

I happened to have changed my flight from that Tuesday morning to Monday night and was safely sleeping in my hotel room in Tempe when the first plane hit. I woke up just in time to tune in for the second plane to hit.

In 2001 I had a friend who worked in marketing and communications for one of the major airlines involved in the event. Suffice it to say that she did not have day to day interaction with consumers at this point in her career.

While I was stuck in Tempe for the week without the ability to get home, my partner was in very intermittent text communication with said friend to make sure she was ok, offering support, etc.

She would relay information here and there about what was going on. She'd had been on site at HQ 24/7 for days. They had but one "grief team" and two downed flights so people that would not ordinarily be called on to drop their regular airline duties and rush to the scene to coordinate, counsel and provide support were being sent out into the field to do just that.

If you can imagine that someone who is regularly tasked with making reservations or taking inquiries about upgrades is suddenly called on to take calls from frightened, angry, grief-stricken family members when a flight goes down. Now imagine it when they, themselves had friends and family on board those planes - as was the case with many this time.

When I was finally allowed to fly home that Friday I thanked every last airline employee who had a hand in getting me on that flight and getting me home. Even the poor woman who took my "deadly" nail clippers from me. And now when my temper starts to rise and my patience is running out with delays and cancellations I roll with it as much as possible. Although I do admit that last year around this time I was inconsolable when the weather caused an unexpected overnight stay in Houston on route to my birthday holiday in Mexico but even then I didn't take it out on the staff. I was just firm that she needed to help me salvage my holiday and get us there as quick as possible.

Weather, illness, delays, cancellations and unfortunately, worse - happen. This is when being nice, though firm, will help infinitely more than throwing a hissy fit. It also helps if you're prepared. Take medication? Keep it in your carry on. Have electronics? Keep the chargers in your carry on.

So for all of those who have worked tirelessly to get me where I need to go safely and with a minimum of fuss, I thank you.