looking down

These days, when I travel, I am so focused on packing, getting to the airport early, get an aisle seat, calling my friend before the plane takes off to make sure someone is getting me at the airport, then calling again when the plane is on the runway to make sure my friend is waiting for me at the baggage claim. While flying, I'll either burrow myself in a magazine or a book that I bring along. I hardly look around to see who is sitting next to me. I'm so self absorbed in my tasks.

Today the lady who sat next to me asked if I could turn the air down, I was a bit annoyed at first, but politely complied. To my surprise, she thanked me, then proceeded to tell me that this was her first time flying. She introduced herself and told me what a wonderful time she had visiting her brother in California. She lives in North Carolina and she usually takes the train when she travels because she is afraid of flying. She told me of the many pictures that she took on this trip. She had such warmth and beauty in her eagerness to share. Her sincerity and friendliness broke my barriers.  I started caring about her. I asked If she was okay or if she was still nervous now that she took her first  flight. She smiled, like a little girl,  and said that she liked it and will do it again the next time she travels. We had a very pleasant conversation. After we parted ways in St. Louis, I actually missed chatting with her. As I continued my flight to  New York, I  realized I had a window seat, which I never do.  I  lifted the shade and looked down. I saw these beautiful formation of clouds below, as if  they were folds of angels breath supporting the plane. I was mesmerized by this simple vision. I realized I have been so focused these days that I forgot to take in life...