Day 22: Denver to Chicago
Before I headed to the airport, and after I had left my three year old at her day care for her father to pick up for the weekend, I stopped for acupuncture in Denver. My energy was running very high, and this was largely due to my plan to head directly from O'Hare airport to Soldier Field to see about catching the band late night if they might be doing a sound check tonight. My mission felt legitimate: to go there with the goal of getting Elsha some Face Time with the band members, to bring her in as a part of this scene as much as possible this spring.
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| Looking crazy in a photograph |
At the departure gate in Denver, I found a handful of friends from the local U2 fan scene who were heading to Chicago for the shows. We got a picture together and boarded our flight, to our separate seats, together in shared tribal spirit.
I watched the clouds from my window seat after we had left the ground. I could see Larry the Lynx on our tail, but the sunset was on the other side of the plane. I was wishing I could see our lovely glowing orb, when an ethereal cloud formation appeared ahead. As we approached, the clouds turned into a pink doorway that I thought might have led to the fifth dimension.
I was on for Chicago tonight, though. We might even find 5D at Soldier Field, I believed.
When we landed, I called my big brother right away. I had imagined him chilling in his quiet hotel outside the city, and he surprised me by sharing that he was outside the stadium, listening to the band rehearse inside. Immediately, my brain shifted into its most driven frequency. I would not be able to get off that plane fast enough! I looked around and saw my U2 Friends from Denver rising from their seats. They looked much more relaxed than I felt.... my excitement was only rising as the plane got ready to let us out.
I had even upgraded to a seat near the front so I could get out quicker!
As quickly as possible, I was out and speed walking through the terminal whilst sending for an Uber on my smart phone. I had my back up battery and I was ready to get where I needed to be, with the tribe down at Soldier Field. Over the phone, I had directed Chris to find them waiting around the back under stadium entrance.
I was vaguely aware of a need to use the restroom, but I pushed on. It was 9:30pm already. I had to get down to the spot without any delay.
I could see myself, taken completely by this desire. I could see, peace was not at all my North Star in this moment. My guiding light was only U2 right now. I was on a mission. Elsha knew what the plan was. I had to get down there and be in place at the right time.
So, after awhile, I jumped in that Uber, and 40 minutes later, I hopped out and said hello again to all the stars of our tribe who were out tonight, shining in the summer night. There was Margaret, and David Barry the film maker, and there was Jim Naughton, a Facebook friend. I felt a bit like a star stepping out myself; my plate around my neck, and my silver light up high tops on my feet, as I crossed the driveway to hug Margaret and David, then find my brother who was now standing with dear Brigitte.
I was home again! So we stood at the barricades and waited, all abuzz, all together.
