My mind reels with emotions when I think about my short time I spent participating in the flag run. It started out on Saturday as we (my husband, son and daughter) packed up the truck and journeyed out to Cabazon. Knowing that my autistic son could not deal with a crowd and also wanting to see the Big Dinosaurs I chose to run in the desert. I recently got the okay from my doctors to start back into a fitness, exercise program ( after back surgery and a broken foot) and knew I was not where I should be to run for a long distance. I was determined, however, to honor my fellow co-workers, their families and run in this great event. The excitement grew as I was stretching and warming up in the corner grocery store parking lot. My son was watching t.v. and my daughter helped me stretch and look out for anyone that looked to be a apart of the flag run. A man drove up and said he was also running this segment plus more and shared with us some of his experiences running the past few days with the flag. He drove down from central California to participate. He didn't work for the airlines, but his friend did. As the flag neared our staging area, the excitement built. I was in awe as the police car approached and we joined in the pack (maybe about 6 people). There was a group from Raytheon who were running in honor of their fellow co-workers who were traveling Sept. 11. I started out strong but could not keep up with the true runners. I consider myself a "jogger" or perhaps now!! a "fast walker" not in the same category as these talented runners who I shared this short 2 mile distance with!!! I had the honor of holding the Crew Stick and was overwhelmed with emotions. I slowed down and was behind the pack. The same man that was at the staging area with me ran backwards to give me encouragement and helped me regain my thoughts. I did ride in the R.V. for a short distance and ran the last stretch with the pack. At the end of our segment there were a few people cheering us on...including my husband, daughter and son!!!

On Sunday I was scheduled to fly a trip from LAX to DFW. I arrived at the airport early and waited upstairs, hoping to see the Flag run through the loop before I had to fly. wow....seeing the pack of runners going through was so overwhelming for me. I saw our number one flight attendant who I am flying with this month. I was so proud of her!! Other people were walking...me... I was crying...then I saw the wonderful man from the day before,,,,the man who was so kind to me..encouraging me to continue my little journey..he was still running!!! He came over to me and I gave him a big hug!!! He said he was all sweaty..big deal!!! he was honoring so many people who lost their lives on Sept. 11 a little sweat was nothing to me!! I will never forget my little piece in honoring my fellow crew member or this kind soul who I met.

Jody Schinnerer, Flight Attendant
American Airlines, LAX

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