Mary Ann and Skip Granger
Long ago and far away, Mary Ann and I used to fly to Europe for part of our Christmas shopping. We loved to collect Copenhagen 
Christmas plates from special years, such as our wedding (1974, at left) and children’s birth years.
On one trip, we purchased many gifts and packed them in our luggage that was placed in the cargo hold on the airplane for our trip home. We enjoyed our first class flight across the Atlantic Ocean with some delicious foods and wine.
Arriving in New York at JFK airport, we switched airlines and proceeded home. When asked what beverage we desired, I declined since we had imbibed enough on our prior flight. Soon after takeoff, a siren went off, and the flight attendant threw the tray of drinks into the bathroom as we were told to prepare for an emergency landing. I was now wanting a cocktail badly! Sensing impending disaster as we came back into JFK with red light-flashing emergency vehicles and foam on the tarmac, Mary Ann said very calmly ”Our Christmas packages are down there, and they will be destroyed!”
Well, they (and we) were spared. The airline gave us overnight accommodations and rebooked us for the following day. I wanted Mary Ann to see the world famous Rockettes perform their Christmas show at Radio City City Music Hall, so we boarded a bus to Manhattan, which broke down enroute. Not discouraged by this unfortunate omen, we got a taxi and proceeded to the show. I had even planned to take her for high tea in the Empire Room at the Waldorf Astoria afterward. So all was well!
Well, maybe it wasn’t! During the show, as the ladies kicked their legs up high right above our heads, I began to sob uncontrollably. I suppose that I could see what might have happened – leaving our kids orphaned. I had suppressed my emotions.
This Christmas experience taught me a lesson which I will never forget, but cannot remember now. Remember, memory is the second thing to go.
Our Copenhagen Christmas plates hanging in the dining room of our home in Sun Lakes, Arizona.
Skip, that is one heck of a Christmas Story. You and Mary Ann have had a very exciting life. I enjoy reading the many entries you’ve made on our website. After reading your stories I always feel like I want to have a glass of wine. Having a Merry Christmas and another beautiful New Year!
Wow Skip, I can’t believe that I’ve never heard that story before. I thought I knew most of them from that era.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Love,
The Jackson’s