In the book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran Foer, the young boy said, "I like to see people reunited, I like to see people run to each other, I like the kissing and the crying, I like the impatience, the stories that the mouth can't tell fast enough, the ears that aren't big enough, the eyes that can't take in all of the change, I like the hugging, the bringing together, the end of missing someone." This passage was about the boy observing people at an airport, and the reunions that occur. Airports really do show people coming together, whether it be for a happy occasion such as a wedding or a vacation, or a sad occasion such as a funeral. Airports bring separated people, together.
We normally think of airports bringing two or more family members, or friends together, but it can also bring strangers together. How many of us have ever gone to an airport or flown on a plane, and within an hour, know someone's life story? I know I have. Many people sitting inches away from a complete stranger will introduce themselves, and get to know that stranger; the bringing together of two people. I love going to airports for this reason, you get to hear so many incredible stories about people you don't know. Even though you will probably never see any of these stranger again, for an hour or two, you get a chance to open yourself up and be true to someone, without fear of judgment. I am not the type of person who will normally reach out to others and start a conversation with them, but there is something comforting about knowing the raw and open emotions of a person, even if they are a complete stranger. You feel connected instantly. And even though you know very little about them, you will forever be a part of their joy or sorrow; their reason for flying that day.
I was once on my way home after orientation at my college as an entering freshman when I was seated next to a women who was on her way to a funeral of a family member. I shared bits of my excitement with her, and brought a smile to her face. I like to think that, in some way, I may have brought comfort to her. Here is a women who lost a dear member of her family, but next to her is a prospective, first generation college student, beginning the start of their own life. As one life ends on Earth, another life is just beginning to reach for their highest potential, and I think that the thought of this can bring happiness to every stranger in every airport, every day.
Before you know it, the plane ride is over, and you each go your separate ways, but every day, people are united across the world, and lives are being changed.
