(The Visitation, Part 1)
It had been a long, vain night for Miguel Sanchez as he half-waited, half-snoozed at the airport taxi stand. Oh, the Lubbock International Airport had seen its share of traffic – late night/early morning arrivals, followed by friends, family and lovers leaving arm-in-arm. Or arm-in-tow as rolling luggage large and small followed them to their ground transportation.
None of which included Miguel Sanchez.
Miguel had been driving for six years, and had seen some dry spells before. But none like this. As he watched sunrise business travelers and mini-family reunions, he couldn’t help but wish he was home with his.
These were hard days.
Miguel worked every possible double shift to make as much money as possible. Not only was the economy taking its toll on air travel in general, but there were expenses – lots of them – to pay. Miguel’s little girl, Olivia, had a rare respiratory disease, requiring extended medical care. Specialists, hospital bills, lab tests, and trips to Dallas – in addition to the other every-day expenses of supporting a wife and five children – made any extra income a godsend.
As he tried to stay alert to the Arrival door and the potential for any income, Miguel’s eyes began to focus on the cross hanging from his mirror. Before long, he drifted off again into a light doze.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
A smiling face greeted Miguel’s sleepy eyes.
“You available?” The Face asked.
“Oh, yes sir,” said Miguel, springing into action. “Where would you like to go?”
“A place called Ovation,” the guest replied. “You know it?”
“The church?”
“That’s right” he said, still smiling quietly.
“Right away,” Miguel said.
“No hurry,” the passenger said with a slight twinkle in his eye. “We have plenty of time. And nobody knows I’m coming.”
(Click here for Part 2)