Well, that's it then. Three days ago, I flew my last Embraer 175 for Republic Airlines. I'd had almost 9 years to fantasize how my last day would go.
We have this atrocious boarding "music" that the flight attendants are forced to play for the people as they get on the plane. Some overzealous flight attendants even play it as we deplane at our destination - hopefully with the assumption that the people will leave more quickly to get away from it. I even learned to play it on the ukulele so I could torture my crews with it between flights. For my last day, I thought it would be hilarious if I had my own boarding music cd, comprised solely of songs from singers and musicians who'd been killed in plane crashes - and see how many people got the joke! Go ahead and think for a minute. I'll be you can come up with a good list!
However, as my last day drew nearer, I grew ever more superstitious. I chickened out. It seemed like I'd be tempting fate if I went through with that musical stunt (not to mention, a bit unprofessional) - and the joke would then be on me!
My last day was supposed to be a simple day trip, consisting of an early morning flight from Kansas City to Philadelphia, sit in the food court for 3 hours, and fly back to KC. I was looking forward to that trip because I knew one of the flight attendants and the first officer very well, and it would be a great trip to end my career at Republic. As I drove from my house to the airport in the wee hours, I thought of my time here at Republic. I grew a little sentimental, thinking about all of the fantastic people with whom I'd had the pleasure to work, and all of the fun times and shenanigans that bring a smile each time I think of them. I knew that by the end of the day, I was going to be embarrassingly emotional.
Any sentimentality I felt on the drive to work was completely wiped away when I looked at the flight status board and saw that my flight to Philadelphia had been canceled.
Ordinarily, I'd have been irritated. After all, I live 3 hours away from the KC airport, and had to leave the house at 2:30am to make it on time, only for my trip to cancel. No, this time I just shook my head, and laughed. Luckily, crew scheduling had something else in mind for me - a short flight to Chicago, then deadhead (sit in the back as a passenger) back to KC. Done.
I didn't know any of the crew on this last flight, but I've never truly met a stranger. The weather between KC and Chi-town was perfect, the flight smooth. As I approached the runway for landing, I thought this landing is going to be perfect. The passengers won't even know we've arrived. I eased the power off and flared the aircraft just above the ground with my cool, veteran, expert hands. Back, back, back, with the control column.... oh no. Too far back.
BANG - BANG, as the main wheels assaulted the runway.... followed by SLAM, as the nose wheel hit. "F--K ME!" I exclaimed, as the first officer tried unsuccessfully to stifle his laughter. "Take that, Chicago!" See what happens when you get cocky?
I slept on the flight back to Kansas City, and hugged a few people on the way to the crew room, where I was to turn in my company issued items. I opened the door to the crew room and saw Karen, a manager type whose official title I don't really know, but I've always called her the "Princess of Pretty Planes." We go back to my very first days at the company and she's always been a sweet friend. Anyway, Karen was taking down the Halloween decorations. I saw her and sang in my best Johnny Paycheck imitation, "Take this job and shove it...." She chimed in with, "I ain't workin' here no more..."
I turned my items in to her while she checked them all. She gave me a big hug, wished me luck, and I felt the stab of 'goodbye' as I went out the door. I climbed the stairs to the airport terminal and waited for the tears to come.
They didn't. In fact, with every step, the only emotions I felt were.... joy! Relief! Excitement! A grin started at one corner of my mouth, and crept its way across my face as the weight of the world came off of my shoulders. I was almost laughing. I strutted out of that airport like a three-balled tomcat!! I crooned the song "Feelin' Good" on the drive home. Good God, it was the BEST feeling!!
I cannot believe how much support, love, and well-wishes I have received from my friends, family, and coworkers. Hundreds of you have wished me the best and recalled memories of our time together at Republic. The cards, gifts, and messages have all been so touching. I honestly had no idea that I was so loved! Leaving is bittersweet. I am so lucky to have worked with the best in the business.
My next update will be from class at United!! To say that I'm excited about it is the understatement of my career. I keep wondering when I will wake up. If this is a dream, please let me sleep!
