While I certainly don't fly nearly as much as a lot of people, I have never been physically touched by TSA or any other type of airport security personnel. I have been, for reasons unknown, on a TSA "watchlist" for many years that precludes online check-in, and must have an agent check me in manually for every flight I take. I have filed stacks of documentation with Homeland Security, and have been issued "Redress Numbers" which I file with the carriers. The redress procedures have done nothing to resolve my admittedly merely irritating situation. It does point out another example of Homeland Security is broken and needs to be fixed. It's what happens when the people running the show don't know what they're doing. They block everything and let us deal with the fallout. We need to get smarter people making the decisions.

Wil - this is by far my favorite blog post you've done. It was very personal, and must have been very difficult to write. Thanks for sharing.

Dammit. I was going to say that. Well played.

I'm in. Please and thank you.

Reason #12899349 that Wil "is not a dick". We, too, suffered an unexpected loss of one of our beloved dogs this summer, and were greatly saddened. This story is truly inspiring, Wil. Thanks for sharing.

Is it too late to get a refund (for your daughters, that is)? Did you save your receipt when they were born? :-)

I curse every day that I don't make @wilw smile. I am not clever. I do, however have a cute puppy: http://yfrog.com/56ukaz

Wil - it was such a blast having you and the gang in PDX. I hope you'll all come back soon. We were privileged to share that 4.5 hours with you. I'd do it all over again.