Making Connections
Holding on to a vacation mindset can be a healthy coping mechanism. During this time with a post pandemic hangover, when the whole word is recognizing that hiding and denying pain is not only ineffective but destructive, the problem solvers that we are, are discovering new concepts of managing our emotions. Why is an energy- boosting get away, so powerfully fulfilling? The answers could be endless…
The value of hearing others stories, feels like a beautiful expansion of knowing…
Having dialogue with friends you have not yet met …Airplane acquaintances… fills me up. On the flight to Denver, the man seated next to me was not an experienced traveler. He was connecting through Denver to continue to Montana to visit his ailing father of which he had not seen in many years. This simple man brought nothing with him to occupy his time. We did not have media on this flight. After he explored the airline magazine several times and took a brief nap, talking was the best way to spend his time. Because he was so genuine, the conversation felt engaging. Driving a truck for a fine chocolate company, of which he shared extensive, details about the rich taste with unlimited options, the talent and high standards of the foreign owner, the opportunities of creating chocolate products for presidents and other famous people, was a fulfilling career for him and yet it must not have paid very well. He chose orange juice as his free beverage of choice. After taking a couple of sips he pulled out an empty water bottle and poured the remaining portion into it for later consumption. Never tasting almonds before, he jumped at the chance of trying some of mine. He loved them and I regret not giving him the rest of my bag. He felt certain that he would miss his connection and need to spend the night in the airport which was a troubled memory from his last trip to Montana. Although these were his minor worries, his biggest concern was getting to his dad. He wasn’t even sure if he would be remembered. I wrote down the name of the chocolate company. Its now on my bucket list.
On the return flight, the young lad sitting beside me sported an Indiana University t shirt. My husband and both of our sons have received their degrees from IU so this would be an easy conversation to start. Nick, a direct admit to Kelly, studying Finance, was raised in California but was returning to Indiana from Montana after a vacation visit with his family. The weekend before was family weekend at IU of which his dad was unable to come due to a surgery. Therefore, his parents flew him to Montana to have some quality time with their freshman son who currently lived far away. I really enjoyed our discussion about Greek life. He was going to wait until spring to pledge because of his intense class load. In the meantime, he was watching the fraternities with discerning eyes, looking for a safe place where he could be free to cling to his personal goals. When we were taking off, he made the sign of the cross. At this point I wanted my husband to hire this kid…for he is going places… of that I have no doubt.
Two new friends, two completely different stories. Both experiences contained holy moments because they were authentic and present in the moment. On the airplane, sharing conversation with a stranger they needed no emotional or pretentious masks. They were free to be who they were meant to be.
I can’t dismiss the irony that I haven’t yet touched upon.
Earlier this month, my first planned trip to Colorado needed to be cancelled because my dad, who had suffered most of the summer, went to his heavenly home. Grief had since filled my time. With this rescheduled trip, I had hope that the heaviness of the grief would have an opportunity to lift. I consider it a God wink that both these men were traveling to spend time with their fathers.