Wise Men (not the original three) say many things. One of their pieces of wisdom that I have followed for most of my life was, "Never travel on a holiday."
However, as all wise men and women learn, things change. In my world today, it is far simpler for one person to travel on a holiday than transmit an entire family.
And so this Thanksgiving I did just that that. Not without trepidation, I must add however. Invariably, the week before any flight I have booked to any location, the weather alerts begin. The long range weather forecasts seem to play staccato day and night as the time and hour of departure gets closer. This year it was an ice storm heading rapidly, approximately within minutes of my takeoff. While it didn't happen, and we left precisely on time without incident, my equilibrium was in shatters.
Once on board, the message written so long ago by Tennessee Williams rebounded into memory. "I have always relied on the kindness of strangers." And it is truly a beautiful experience that enhances the joy of the holiday season.
There were so many random moments on my trip beginning with the flight to CA. My seatmates were a young Mother and her enchanting little boy. While awaiting takeoff, she leaned over and tried to apologize for only speaking in Russian to her son. I replied there was no reason for any explanation or apology, but she insisted on telling me why she was doing this. They had arrived from the Ukraine earlier this year, and the youngster was beginning to forget his native tongue. She hoped I would understand, and of course I did. I hope none of my Fabulous Four ever forget their roots, no matter how far they roam from what was once their home.
Despite all forebodings, it was a smooth flight with a courteous and sensitive crew in control. I began to forget the trepidation I had about holiday trips.
Once we landed, the airport was already decorated for the upcoming holiday, celebrating both the joys of Christmas and Hanukkah. Traditional music filled the air as we awaited the luggage, and surprisingly,. no one seemed anxious or hurried. A bit unusual for a cross-country flight. Perhaps the holiday spirit had already begun to infect us.
As all family reunions are, ours was memorable. Gathering together, rejoicing in each other's company, and of course, the incredible shared memories. Some humorous, some not really accurate, a few poignant, but memories, all good, all remembered moments of lives shared. And then, of course, it was once again time to bid adieu. Never easy for me, and becoming increasingly difficult each time, but obviously necessary.
Not surprisingly once again the weather seers forcasted gloom and doom. I tried not to pay heed, but knew subconsciously, I was listening to every word.
The trip home is always more difficult for me. Perhaps because I am weary, but in truth, it is another goodbye. And so I was not the happiest traveler in the terminal.
Until a jolly voice called out, "And are you going to New York too?" I looked up from my Kindle and saw an elderly gentleman sitting across the aisle with his wife. His obvious delight in life was contagious, and I was fortunate enough to share Row C with them for the 5 hour trip. My new friend was severely disabled, something I hadn't noticed until the wheelchair arrived prior to boarding. He and his wife also had been visiting children and do so each year. We never exchanged names; no need to, but shared stories until touchdown at JFK. He made me forget my fear of weather, and perhaps the bigger fears in life that I am reluctant to admit.
So while I always try to listen to Wise Men, I am not certain thair advice is quite up to date. Our world has been changing rapidly; some things are becoming harder, but the Kindness of Strangers not only endures, but is becoming even stronger.
Or so, I believe.
