SOBBING WOMAN

Kinda awkward. Woman sobbing behind me in the security line. I wonder if I should turn around and acknowledge her, maybe ask if she's okay? She's blowing her nose, wiping her tears, really being conspicuous. I don't know the last time I saw someone cry at the airport. She probably just parted with a loved one and was thinking she wasn't going to see that person for a while.

I think traveling so much has made me numb to the fact that for those who might not be able to travel, or for those in hard to access countries, continents and seas create such a distance... might not see that person for years. I am reminded of this post I wrote a while back.

The last time I cried at the airport was years ago when my grandmother parted with me at the airport. I cried because she was crying. For older people, I wonder if they think that this could be the last time. I've seen my grandmother a number of times since - every year, in fact - even though she is halfway across the world. I guess I'm thankful for airplanes, skype, gchat, the phone and other technologies that make the world seem much smaller.

I am obviously delayed for a redeye.... again... which is why I have time to write this....