Did you ever think that your life can be changed by two hours in an airport? Now I’m not talking about the kind of change that involves a health crisis or a delayed flight. No I’m talking about a journey of the soul.
On our trip to California this week, we had a 2 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta Georgia. I had marvelous, surprising experiences that nudged me to be hope and love.
I will begin by saying that I was hobbling around with a cane because I popped my knee. The orthopedist said it popped back in, but it’s still sore. Airports have a lot of walking distances so I was able to get around pretty well with the cane. Actually, it feels better walking than it does sitting or lying down.
I did find a little place to sit in the corner next to the windows of the airport. It was crowded, and there were a lot of people around us. Soon a gentleman and his wife came and sat across from us. He was in a wheelchair and smiled at me. I smiled back. My wheelchair was in the corner because the Delta staff had met me as I got off the plane and brought me to the next terminal where I needed to be. His wife sat down with a sigh. It wasn’t long before a couple joined us to my left. He was a rather tall man, and she was a woman who looked about my age.
The man across the aisle in the wheelchair kept smiling at me so I decided to strike up a conversation. “The wheelchair can really help us get around can’t it?” I asked him. “Oh yes,” he said, “I’m doing much better now. I’m in Physical Therapy and it’s helping a lot.” It appeared that he might’ve had a stroke. His hands were a bit uncoordinated and his mouth curved to one side. “Well I’m glad you’re doing so much better and I hope you have continued success.” He went on to tell me the many things he could now achieve.
At that moment, the gentleman to my left stood up and his wife began to place an icy patch on his back. He looked at me and kind of grinned. I said “Oh those things are so great aren’t they.” “Yes,” he said. I’ve got sciatica or something wrong. It’s not fun getting old.” “Well,” as I always say, “it’s better than the alternative.” He went on to tell me that he is trying to learn Cantonese. He said he speaks Mandarin, but he’s trying to learn this language so he can speak with some family members. “My father’s Puerto Rican and my mother is Chinese. So I speak Spanish and I’m trying to learn this language. It is very difficult.”
“I’m sure it is. I’m trying to brush up on my Spanish and finding that hard enough.” “Keeps the mind fresh though doesn’t it.” He laughed. “Well challenged that’s for sure.” His wife looked at me and said “It’s important these days to be bilingual.” ”I so agree,” I said, “but it’s kind of tough.”
The gentleman in the wheelchair across from me, laughed and said “I guess this is the disabled corner.” “Oh yes”, I said “it’s great to have camaraderie.” His wife looked at me and said “I can’t hear - that’s my disability.” We continued to chat and have a good time. It was as if I had a new family right then, connected by our ailing bodies and openness about it. Who would’ve thought
That blessings would arise out of our disabilities?
A young man came and sat to the other side with three boys. He laughed and looked kind of sad. “Are those boys all yours?” I asked His face lit up. “Oh yes, he said. “I have one more at home.” They looked like they ranged in age from about 9 to 12. They were quite well behaved and I said “That is a lot of parenting.” He said yes it is and then he opened a bottle and took some pills. He kinda seemed embarrassed by it. “Oh man sometimes medicine is a great aid isn’t it?” I asked. He beamed. “Yes, I had a nervous breakdown last year and these help me get through the tough times.” “I’m so glad,” I offered , “It’s wonderful that you’re here with your boys.” “Yes ma’am, yes Indeed.” I stood up to go take some paper to the trash can and he jumped up to walk beside me. “Oh let me get that for you.” At first I started to reject and then I said “OK thank you.” He looked me right in the eyes and said “Thank you so much for letting me set a good example for my boys.” As I went to the restroom I thought. Who would’ve known that medication and trash would put a bond between a young man and myself? I felt deep compassion for him.
As I began to walk toward the bathroom, very slowly, I passed a custodian with his cart. He had his arms propped up on it and looked exhausted. “Hello, how are you doing today,” just the usual greeting in the south. “Well, not very good ma’am not very good at all.” Now I wasn’t going to just walk away from a comment like that so I said, “what is going on? I’m so sorry for you.” “I’ve got high blood pressure and I feel terrible. I’m exhausted. I didn’t sleep last night and I’ve been here all day. I haven’t had any lunch.” “That’s terrible,” I empathized. “Will you be able to get some lunch?” “I don’t know. You get a 30 minute lunch but you wait so long in these lines there is no time. There is no employee cafeteria and a measly 4% discount.” “Oh that”s dreadful, would you like me to try to get you something.” “No, I’ll have a friend try.” “Are you able to do something about the high blood pressures? Perhaps see a doctor or take some medication?” “Well they’re trying but it’s not working.” He leaned heavily on his cart. “Oh sir I am so sorry. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers and sincerely hope that you’re gonna feel better today.” “You know, ma’am, that is the nicest thing anybody has said to me today. Blessings to you!” “Many blessings for you,” I exclaimed.
Who would’ve known that I would be called upon to offer a healing word in the airport?
Oh God was not done with me yet. Seems I needed a lot of stirring of my soul!
I went to the bathroom, which was incredibly clean and came to the sink. There was a young woman with her rag cleaning and drying things. “Oh thank you so much. This place is really clean and I appreciate it.” “You’re the only person to tell me that today,” she said. I stopped and looked carefully at her. She was probably in her early twenties and pregnant. “I’m sorry about that. I bet it gets pretty lonely being in here all day all by yourself.” “Yeah,” she answered, “but I gotta do it. It pays the bills.” “ I’m sure it does, and I appreciate this important work you do!” Her face brightened and she smiled. “Well, thank you ma’am.” Right away I noticed other people who had been in the restroom saying thank you to her. Who knew that in a bathroom I would be challenged to bring light to someone’s hard work?
In the space of an hour, I was stirred to compassion, understanding, gratefulness, healing. These are all things that bless me over and over. I’m someone who gets to be the recipient of love and mercy every day. I’m part of a family, community of faith and friends worldwide that support and love me, no matter what. Not everyone has that. In just a small matter of time, in a busy airport, my life was changed. I became even more aware that every move, everything we speak, every smile we give, makes the world a better place for someone else.
My soul was softened a whole lot more that day. I can get very skeptical about this sad world with all the angry violence going on. For those moments, I saw Hope. My dear ones, let us be hope for others. Let us not be overcome with the shenanigans of the world and forget to offer love and compassion. You may be the only soul hug someone gets! Thank you for blessing me and may your life be changed wherever you are! Still looking for hope in the airport! Bonnie Lee.
Yes, this is so YOU!
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