After reinstalling the window in the hotel room, I fled northern Georgia and whatever legal authority held jurisdiction (all good stories require an opening line that grabs the reader’s attention).

Throughout the course of the 2018 Purge and Connection Tour, I was blessed with invitations from close friends from all around this great country. I was asked to stop in for a visit should my travels bring me anywhere near Arizona, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, the incredibly beautiful Upper Peninsula, and the always exotic Paris (Texas). I wasn’t able to visit all of those wonderful people and places, however, I received a text message from my oldest grandchild, Casandra that read, “Grandpa, come and see me, and meet Trevor.” What grandfather could turn down an invitation like that? Certainly not this one.

Once again, a flip of a coin was unnecessary (also, there was the whole “get out of Georgia while you still can” thing going on).

As I made my way northward, I spoke with my parents about my travels to visit with their firstborn great grandchild and her fiancé. My father, in his early nineties and still a very devout Baptist minister, gave me specific instructions on how to grill this young scallywag about his “intentions.” I took copious notes because…well…I didn’t actually take notes because I was driving and that sort of thing is frowned upon by law enforcement types (and, of course, there was the whole “Georgia thing” to avoid). However, I did pay close attention to what he had to say, and I promised my dad that I would “work the kid over” for him.

It was late when I finally made it to a place somewhat near to something resembling where I was headed. I was tired and in need of a clean, comfortable room that would keep me in the allotted $50 range. I found the last part, but not the first two parts. Up until this point, I had been fortunate with my cheap motor lodge selections. They had all been mom-and-pop operations, offering surprisingly good quality for the price. This time, I opted for a name-brand chain (which will remain nameless) that offered clean, comfortable rooms and a light that would be perpetually left on for me. It is my hope that some of the other locations in this chain are of a better quality — but, I am positive that none of them could be worse!

I slept fully dressed, on top of the covers, with both ears tuned to hints of scampering little feet across crumbling tiled floors (Expedia review: NASTY!!!).

I met up with the betrothed couple at 1630 hours, which is a much more efficient way of saying, “4:30 in the afternoon.” I happily greeted and hugged my firstborn’s firstborn and turned my attention to the scallywag. His handshake was firm, his eyes were fixed and sure, and (here’s the best part) his grin was wider than the Main Street bridge. So far, this kid was alright in my book.

The three of us enjoyed a meal of barbecue pulled pork at the Mission BBQ (if you are ever in Virginia Beach, you’ll be glad you stopped in). We talked, laughed, and learned more about each other. I was really enjoying my visit, and I was becoming more impressed with this fine young man that was about to marry my granddaughter.

Cassandra and Trevor are in the Navy, stationed at Virginia Beach, Virginia. They are both Aviation Mechanics and, together, they make F/A-18E/F Super Hornets fly (let that one sink in for just a moment. I’ll wait). To cap off an already incredible visit, I was treated to the opportunity of a lifetime — a visit to the hangar where Cassy and Trevor take fighter jets apart and then put them back together again. Just to prove my lies, I have pictures of myself standing on the wing of an F-15. Why was I standing on the wing of a Super Hornet? Because I could. Wouldn’t you?

By the end of my visit, I was convinced these two wonderful people were going to be great together. How did I know? Because, together, they can make Super Hornets fly. Not too many couples can say that.

Larry Wilson is a mostly lifelong resident of Niles. His essays stem from experiences, compilations and recollections from friends and family. He can be reached at wflw@hotmail.com.