Cross-Country Flight

Our cross-country flight from Salt Lake City had a number of children on board who required a lot of attention from very patient flight attendants.
Passengers and crew alike were relieved when many of the kids got off at a stop in St. Louis. But if that weren't enough, our plane had mechanical problems and had to return to the airport. The crew then had to manage the changeover to another aircraft.
An hour later we were finally taking off. In the dimmed cabin, the voice of a male flight attendant came soothingly over the intercom. "You are getting sleepy...very sleepy. You don't want any snacks. You don't want any drinks. You want to be left alone."
Originally published July 13, 2004.