Several years ago, Elizabeth and I had the good fortune to return to London over the Christmas holiday. We booked ourselves on Norwegian Airlines for the first time ever and made arrangements to return to the Crowne Plaza Docklands in East London. We flew to New York from Atlanta and made our way to the Norwegian gates at JFK . Our flight was very relaxed and uneventful until we were about an hour out from touchdown at Gatwick International Airport. The pilot came on the intercom to announce that due to an emergency at Gatwick our flight was being diverted to a “yet to be determined landing somewhere other than Gatwick.” For the next hour and a half there was much uncertainty among the crew as to where we would land. Finally, it was announced that we would be landing in Doncaster, which is about 150 miles north of London. Whew, at least it was England we landed in, for as we learned later, many flights ended up in France, Belgium, and Holland.

To add to all the uncertainty the crew was not sure what measures were being taken to get passengers delivered to Gatwick. It was only after landing on Doncaster’s lone runway (with no taxiway) and returning to the terminal by way of the very same runway we just landed on, that the crew was able to provide our options. Option one, Norwegian would return any passengers that desired, by five hour motor coach ride to Gatwick at no expense. Other alternatives were by train from Doncaster city center or car rental at passenger’s own expense. However, we must all clear Customs and Immigration by way of a completely surprised and unprepared staff of two agents.

Actually, we were pleasantly surprised how quickly additional customs agents came together and how quickly they were able to move all 350 of us through the process. After clearing Customs and Immigration we had a decision to make. How do we get to our ultimate destination? Do we take the free five hour journey by motor coach to Gatwick or catch a train to London’s King’s Cross station which we pay for? It was really a no-brainer! Both destinations are about an hour away from our final destination, Crowne Plaza Docklands. However, a little over an hour and a half by train as opposed to a five hour journey by motor coach to Gatwick and complete chaos caused by drone sightings over the airport; as I said, “a no-brainer!”

I came out of the restroom very much jet lagged and very much uncertain of the outcome of our decision. However, Elizabeth was on top of it (as she usually is). “Grab your bags and follow those Kids” she commanded me. “They tell me there’s a train in 45 minutes and the station is 15 minutes away by taxi.” “The Kids” arrived at the station just ahead of us and we followed them into the depot. At that moment a completely unexpected blessing occurred. As we approached the ticket counter the agent asked us if we were on the diverted flight into Doncaster. “Yes,” was our reply? “Then there is no charge for the train into London,” was her reply.  Wow, who does that? Apparently the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) does!

We made our way to the correct platform and waited while Elizabeth did one of her favorite things. She visited with an English bull dog that was also waiting for the train. The train was exactly on time; we boarded, found great seats and settled in. Oh yes, can’t forget that 16 ounce Stella Artois was the special beer of the day, and it was delivered to our seat by “Trolley.” Life is good! We were into King’s Cross on time with only two additional stops and to our hotel within the hour for a greatly appreciated Christmas Holiday.

I tell you all this to draw a parallel to our current situation with the Covid-19 Pandemic. No, it is not what we expected or ever anticipated. Uncertainty abounds at every twist and turn of the road. At times it can even be fearful and exhausting as we try to make decisions as to next steps. However, when we look at the evidence, make informed decisions, and follow through in a calm manner, we will get through this together. Along the way we will encounter both obstacles and blessings. There will be opportunities to take care of our fellow travelers as well as be taken care of by others. So, as we struggle to get to our destination of “Normalcy” once again, I encourage you to study the evidence, make informed decisions, and proceed calmly. Most of all be like Elizabeth as you wait on the platform; spend some time with your favorite “English bull dog.”