Return to McDermott, Mark

Mom

As I stated, I did not get emotional for almost the whole time I was there as I was more focused in on the logistical needs of the day. It was only when I was returning to Charlotte towards evening on that second day, when my guard to protect or worry for others was down that I became the boy that lost his Mom. I was still the older me when Sandi and Gary stepped out of their car to say goodbye at the airport departure drop off zone. I stopped inside the terminal, where I have so many times before, for a quick bite to eat prior to walking down the long hall to where my flight gate was located. As I arrived about 45 minutes before the flight I walked up to a male gate crew member and asked if it would be ok to bring an extra item on the plane than was normally allowed as I pointed to the flag and stated that my Mom had passed away and I was given it for her service. He said that it should be ok. I found a seat near the gate and noticed over the next 15 minutes that it was becoming very crowded so I returned to the gate and stated to a female gate crew member: “I asked someone earlier if it would be ok to bring an extra item onto the plane and I am not sure if he heard me correctly.” And she stated that; “Oh, the Captain (who was standing to her left) overheard you and he will make sure everything is ok.” I thanked her and sat back in my seat. She approached me just before they were about to announce boarding protocol and stated: “I will be taking the passenger seated in the wheel chair on board and you can board right after her.” I thanked her again and waited. Within a few minutes she approached the passenger that was in the wheel chair and transported her through the gate’s entrance. I didn’t move. About a minute later the male crew member that I originally spoke to came over and stated: “Mr. McDermott, we’d like to board you now.” So, I approached the gate and he asked for my boarding pass. After scanning it, he wished me a pleasant flight. I thanked him again. I began walking down the ramp. About halfway down, I noticed the lady in the wheel chair was being helped up and handed her walking cane. I stayed about 20 feet up the ramp and waited for her to enter the plane. As I waited, I turned and looked back up the ramp I had just descended towards the terminal. There was not one person on the ramp. It reminded me of the last time I had asked permission of the Charlotte airport if I could accompany my Mom through security and to her gate to see her off on a flight back to Hartford, CT. I had watched her walk down the ramp with other passengers that day and thought she would turn at the last second back to wave goodbye one last time. But, she didn’t turn back and I burned that last image of her just before she disappeared into the plane into my memory. The lady entered the plane. Once she was all the way in, I proceeded down the remaining portion of the ramp. As I entered a female flight attendant greeted me: “Hello Mr. McDermott, it is so nice to see you. I know just where we can put your Mom’s portrait to keep it safe.” So, I handed the large brown box marked “Fragile” to her and she stowed it in the garment closet just in front of first class. I thanked her the way I had been taught by my mother as a little boy: “Thank you so much!” She then did something I was not expecting as I walked by her and into the plane’s cabin. She told me: “I lost my Mom too. I know it is so hard, but she will be watching over you.” She then put a hand on my shoulder as I walked away and down into the many rows of the cabin to find my seat. I stowed my carry-on in the overhead compartment and sat in my seat. And for the first time in a while, I thought of many memorable moments in my life with my Mom. Often, the happy memories give way to the sad. At times during her life my Mom had such low self-esteem. I fought that battle at times for her as a child and for most of my adult life. And I wished….That wish that you were taught as a child to make after the birthday cake arrived in front of you and before you attempted to blow out those correctly numbered candles that signified your age. I wished that wish that you know can never be but wish it just the same. That my Mom could see and know what respect the American Airlines crew showed her, the Navy officers, the clergy of the church and how much all her relatives and friends truly loved her. I wish she could have known that more. I cried in my seat as I stared down at the triangular-shaped flag in my lap.

There are 4 Pieces of Art In This Gallery.    

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Mom March 2008 Part 2

Art Details

Artist:
Media Type:	Photograph
Art Type:	Photograph
For Sale Status:
Views	311
Comments:	2
Added to Site:	7/9/2020

About the Owner

MARK McDERMOTT
Member Since:	February 2005

Mom March 2008 Part 2
Artist: 311 Views, 2 Comments

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Mom March 2008

Art Details

Artist:
Media Type:	Photograph
Art Type:	Photograph
For Sale Status:
Views	353
Comments:	1
Added to Site:	2/11/2019

About the Owner

MARK McDERMOTT
Member Since:	February 2005

Mom March 2008
Artist: 353 Views, 1 Comment

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Mom December 2005

Art Details

Artist:
Media Type:	Photograph
Art Type:	Photograph
For Sale Status:
Views	792
Comments:	4
Added to Site:	3/14/2018

About the Owner

MARK McDERMOTT
Member Since:	February 2005

Mom December 2005
Artist: 792 Views, 4 Comments

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Mom October 2004

Art Details

Artist:
Media Type:	Photograph
Art Type:	Photograph
For Sale Status:
Views	432
Comments:	3
Added to Site:	3/13/2018

About the Owner

MARK McDERMOTT
Member Since:	February 2005

Mom October 2004
Artist: 432 Views, 3 Comments

There are 4 Pieces of Art In This Gallery.    

About the Owner MARK McDERMOTT Joined: February 2005 Last Login: September 2025 Ebay Id: journey2 Website: https://www.earthshinestudios.com Country: UNITED STATES On CAF: MARK's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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