24 hours later...

Upon my arrival to Honolulu, I found myself still to be a ball of emotions: this time exhaustion trumped even my fear. After traveling for more than 24 hours, I was finally at my destination.  A destination where I knew I had no one to call to pick me up. With all the traveling I have ever done, I have always had someone to pick me up. A Friend. A hotel shuttle. A Concierge. Someone. However, this time I knew I was here alone. With no life line. No phone a friend. Not even an acquaintance. All I wanted was to get to my hotel, stretch, relax, and go to bed. However, I first had to collect my luggage and find a means of transportation to my hotel. Something so simple, yet seemed so daunting at the time. I'm gonna blame it on my level of fatigue. I think we have all been there. Where it feels as though there are 5 lbs weights on our eyelids. That's where I was at. It was work just to make my feet move.  I wasn't sure if I had the energy to face my fears. I was spent mentally, physically, emotionally; but knew I had to keep pushing for at least another hour.

I have been known to be the one and only passenger whose luggage manages to get lost or stuck in the previous city. (it's happened too many times to list: Chicago, China, Maui...) But, in no time at all, I was toting all 70 lbs of luggage, in search of a ride to my hotel when I happened overhear (ok maybe I was eavesdropping) a phone conversation. A phone conversation that led me to meet my first friend in Hawaii. A fellow travel nurse, Cheryl, from Tennessee. I overheard Cheryl expressing her fear and concern about being carless, friendless, homeless, and needing to get her nursing license tomorrow in order to start work. In my sleepless, intoxicated state, I suddenly opened my eyes and invaded her conversation, sheepishly admitting, "Me too! Are you by chance a traveling nurse?" Yes!! I was so excited, relieved, thankful.

As it turns out, this 30 second encounter led us to meeting up today, conquering the public transportation system, acquiring our nursing licenses, followed by a great dinner, even better conversation, a memorable hula ceremony, and a new friendship. It's funny how life has a way of sending people into our lives when we need them most. What's even more ironic: she shares the same name as my Mom: Cheryl. Coincidence? I think not.

Which brings me back to a previous post. It truly is amazing how nice and generous people can be. I met Cheryl 24 hours ago and now I sit here, on her couch, writing this. She was kind enough to offer her place to stay for the night.  It seems as though I have known her forever, yet I just met her. An instant connection. An instant friendship. Yet such different people. I will be sad to hop a plane and leave tomorrow; as I hope to only be so lucky in Hilo.

I will leave you with this lesson I learned today: Remember there is always someone, somewhere, experiencing something similar to you.  Ask for help. Ask for directions. Trust people. As most truly want to lend a helping hand.

Tonight: Ponder what it is you would do, if you were Cheryl, who encountered me. Would you offer your couch or send me packing?