Why Dad Doesn't Work for NASA



Whenever I come into Portland and a friend is picking me up at the airport, our conversation usually boils down to this:

Friend

What time you coming in?

Me

Noon. On Alaska.

Friend

Top or bottom?

Me

Just a carry on. Top.

Friend

Okay.

Me

Okay.

Friend

Bye.

Me

See you tomorrow. Bye.



Now, the same topic -- airport pickup -- discussed with my father:

Father

Okay, so what time are you arriving, one o'clock?

Me

Yeah. On Alaska.

Father

Okay. All right, then. I'll...one o'clock?

Me

Yes. Well, 12:51 to be exact.

Father

Okay. Twelve fifty-one. PM, right? (chuckle) You'll have your cell phone, right?

Me

Yes.

Father

I think I'll come about an hour early and wait around at a Hotel.

Me

Why?

Father

Just in case the flight is delayed or something. I do this when I pick up Jimmy. I just go to the Ramada and watch T.V., you know (chuckle).

Me

Okay. Yeah sure. Just in case. Good.

Father

So, are you going to be checking luggage?

Me

No.

Father

That's right, you never do. Okay. So, I'll pick you up top, at the departures area around one, tentatively...

Me

(tentatively?)

Father

...and if anything goes awry, you'll have a cell phone, right? Don't hesitate to call then. I mean -- you know, you can't use the cell until after you've actually landed?

Me

Right. Okay.

Father

See you then. Love you.

Me

Okay. Love you, too.

Father

Bye.

Me

Bye.


One year ago tomorrow.