I Stand All Amazed

Today is day one for the merger of my existing employer and the New American Airlines. Reportedly, the largest airline in the world.   My third airline employment spanning 21 years, yet I am still working in the exact same building I started in with little America West Airlines all those years ago.




Whatever happens to me in regards to employment post merger, it has been one exciting ride for sure. The 21 year span has seen a new daughter born, three daughters grown up and moved out, along with 6 grandchildren born with their exciting and sweet personalities.  Professionally, I have witnessed 2 mergers, three sets of layoffs, and I had a front-line active view of the crazy Y2K phenomenon. During my tenure my job and my airline survived the shock and awe of 911, though the times were frightening and the future of domestic airlines were very much in doubt.

Through my travel benefits my family has enjoyed the beautiful lush landscape of the Hawaiian Islands, Big Lake Alaska along with the magnificent Prince Edward Sound, Pigeon Forge Tennessee along with the unbelievable beauty of The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Hogwarts in Orlando, countless trips to the Magic Kingdom, and many other very beautiful and exciting places. We have yet to travel outside of the States, but I expect that to happen soon.



It has truly been a wild, crazy, exciting 21 years...and though certainly not over for me yet...I am in heavy reminiscence mode as I say goodbye to the past and embrace the future.

21 years ago December I interviewed for a job at a little airline in downtown Tempe Arizona. Ignoring sage family counselors who advised me to not risk my future at the little airline, I was intrigued by the opportunity and leaped in full steam ahead.

I can not help but think that our gracious and kind Heavenly Father looked with kindness on the little Kotkas family all those years ago and helped us to make that lasting decision. I acknowledge his hand in my life at all times. I am truly grateful for my job and everywhere else in my life that his tender hand has guided me.  Though I do fear what tomorrow may bring, I do know that through His grace, mercy, and kindness my little family will be alright.

As the song goes:

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

Cheers, nca