My heart was heavy as I headed to Los Angeles to say farewell to the city as my daughter Elizabeth prepared for her move to Dallas, Texas and the start of a new life with her husband Sam and their darling baby, Jonah.
The whole family, including my ex-husband; his wife, Samantha with her sweet beautiful children; and Josh and his love, Tracey, had gathered to celebrate Jonah’s first birthday.
It was a shaky 24 hours before our planned departure because the heavy snows had closed down the city and almost every plane was grounded the day before. However, we awoke to sunshine and perfect clear skies, with snow on the ground but roads immaculately, miraculously cleared. Department of Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty and all his hard-working, professional men deserve our praise and thanks.
We were looking forward to our Delta Elite Business Class flight. It makes the cross-country six-hour flight much easier to handle. However, the airline exceeded our expectations.
With extra legroom, superb service and quality food, my husband Stu looked at me with a big smile as he cut into his large steak, perfectly prepared just how he likes it, pink on the inside and charcoal black on the outside.
Great food and large portions are something you expect on international flights but rarely find on domestic flights. I was also impressed with how attentive and accommodating the cabin staff was on the full flight.
However, the piece de resistance of the experience was when we went to the carousel to collect our luggage, always a tense time because of the fear of lost bags, and saw our luggage come out first with all the Elite Business Class passengers’. We never experienced that on any other business class flight! The new service on Delta lived up to its hype. It was a “WOW” experience and an auspicious beginning to a wonderful weekend celebration.
And celebrate we did. I remember as if it were yesterday when I got word that Jonah was born and I was on the next flight out. He was so tiny, just under five pounds, and even today he is little, wearing a three- to six-month size in clothing, but his smile is lightning bright and fills his face, lighting my world for sure!
The extended weekend featured two major events – seeing Jonah get his first haircut and then being present for his party at a gymnastic center. Elizabeth had found a salon, Tipperary in Beverly Hills, where they specialize in children’s haircutting. The salon had more toys in bins than a nursery school. No wonder kids like to go there. But my last experience was with Blake when he got his first haircut. It was a screeching, tearful, hysterical event. But Jonah had a big audience, not only was I there with Stu, but so were Josh and Tracey, Samantha and Morgan, and of course his parents. I think we all distracted him so fully that while sitting in his mom’s arms he never shed a tear and even laughed and enjoyed the toys the haircutter nimbly handed him.
It was an artful experience with a woman who had cut Sam’s sons’ hair 17 years before. She obviously knew what she was doing, working around him as his twisting body was held tightly by his mom. I must admit I was relieved when it was over and then excited when Stu agreed to have his hair trimmed there. I have been trying to get him away from his old-fashioned barbershop barber for years. What an unexpected extra to have him get his haircut after Jonah had his done . . . life always surprises me, in small ways and big ones too.
The haircut was in preparation for the party the next day and he really did move from babyhood to one-year-old status with the “big boy look.”
Amazingly at the gymnastics party with a large group of his “best friends” present he wowed us and took his first multiple steps. I was shooting with my still camera all afternoon and fortunately for me I captured those steps for posterity!
Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes and I thought I would lose it too and sob. She had worried so much about his growth and development and now we all saw he was on his way. What a moment, and I was there. What a blessed bonus, well worth traveling thousands of miles west.
As a grand finale to our trip and to Los Angeles, an amazing thing happened. Somehow, Stu and I repeatedly got lost coming and going from the airport. Therefore, when we arrived at the Avis car return we were frustrated. Nevertheless, as if a guardian angel had arrived, it turns out that Avis has a concierge, Garth McAdams. This smiling man approached us as we departed our car, ready to have to navigate our luggage and the bus to the Delta terminal. He asked, “How was your day?” and we honestly replied, “Frustrating – we got lost!” He immediately said, “Well, get back in the car and I will drive you.” I looked at him with doubt and said, “You must be kidding!” and with a big smile he repeated his offer. I was in that car as fast as a flash. It turns out that it is his responsibility to ask people how they are doing and offer help where needed.
Now that‘s a “WOW” experience!
When we arrived at the Delta Elite Business Class gate, we were met by a red-jacketed concierge who took our bags and gave us our boarding passes without having to stand in line. I had been called the night before to expect the service and sure enough, they delivered on their promise. I often say that in business, the devil is in details and Delta gets that.
Oh, one last thing, on the plane I read Stew Leonard, the bio of the founder of the innovative food stores that bears his name. I could not help but to take notes as I read about his business philosophy and actions, because we both share the same ideas.
Rule 1 – The customer is always right.
Rule 2 – If the customer is ever wrong, reread Rule 1.
He wows people with his service and I hope we do too with all our publications.
It certainly was a “WOW” weekend, one I will treasure forever.
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