As much as I travel I am used to botched trips, delays, changes to itineraries and disappointing news. My inherent optimism usually keeps me upbeat and hopeful good news is just around the corner. “Just hang in there and the odds are something good is right around the corner”, I tell myself. This isn’t always easy to remember when so many things have gone wrong and you are feeling as if you're wearing a “KICK ME” sign. Everyone from the automated message informing you that your flight has been cancelled to the 6’6” gentlemen conducting the TSA strip search knows something you don’t. This is not going to be one of your better days.
I’m standing in a cattle line of people, shuffling my feet while this line moves slower than two day old grits. Finally I am two people away from the nondescript lady comparing IDs with terrible photos to our tickets which have been rebooked, rerouted and reprinted six times. I hear this nondescript lady say to the person in front of me, “You are very early for your flight, you should be able to get a cup of coffee and relax.” As she takes my ID and ticket she says, “What a nice smile on your picture.” I smile back and then I hear behind me, “I love your necklace.”
My day has just turned around, I’m feeling happy again and instead of sulking in a chair at my gate, I feel like calling a loved one. It’s truly amazing how one person can turn around a day. What would our world be like if everyone had this outlook? I can’t recall what she looked like but I don’t feel she is nondescript anymore. She's as warm as sunshine, loving, sweet, hot brownies, joyous, 8 layer chocolate cake, the sound of the ocean, peace, comforting, strong coffee on a quiet night by the fire, the perfect song, a glass of Merlot and a good book in bed with a glowing candle.
In one word I would describe her as inspiring. Thank you Inspiring whoever you are. The world needs more people like you and I am envious of those travelers who have the privilege of passing through your line today. I am safe and sound at home, but wish I could pass through your line today. You’re on my mind and I will hold you close on my next botched trip and stressful day.
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