Stuck in Paradise on Valentine's Day!

Do any of you recall the blizzard that struck the midwest and eastern seaboard last February? I sure do! I had been separated from my husband of 28 years for a little less than a year. I had decided to spend some time and money on myself, and took a trip to Puerto Rico.

I saw four (yes, four) Ricky Martin concerts, all sold out, back-to-back four nights in a row! As a fan club member, my seats were awesome, and the last night I was right at the stage the whole time! I had met and spent time with friends from around the world, many of whom I had never met in person before. We had eaten marvelous food, walked our feet to nubbins sightseeing in Old San Juan, and generally had the best time ever. As all things must, it came to an end February 12 with the last concert.

Many people had to leave the 12th before the last concert, but I was in for the whole She Bangs! The morning of the 13th, we got to the airport, only to discover that while the rest of the remaining fans and staff were able to board and be on their way, they could only get me as far as Chicago. They recommended I overnight in San Juan because O'Hare was socked in, had little food or water, no hotel rooms and people sleeping on the floors. Hey, stuck in paradise? Absolutely! I spent the night at the closest hotel, as cab fare to and from San Juan was beyond my already strained budget. The morning of the 14th, I trekked to the airport from my hotel again, only to discover yet more flight delays. I spent Valentine's day roaming the San Juan Airport, filling up the last nooks and crannies of my suitcases with souvenirs, reliving the precious memories made over the past days, and enjoying more PR food! Tembleque! Quesitos! Guayabana! There was very little in the airport to remind me that at home, I would be in my house, facing the first Valentine's Day of the past 31 years without my husband. A few cardboard decorations in fast food places; no fresh flowers, etc.

I had to be back at the airport to check in at 5 AM the 15th, so I went to bed early, watched telenovelas, and realized that I was going to be okay. I didn't have to fall asleep in someone's arms on that date to have a good life. I've made it better since, but that trip, including February 14, was a life perception-altering experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.