Language, Appearance

I have traveled a great deal; however, usually with family or friends. Alone, on occasion, but not quite so often..

That is why when.I planned this last excursion, I was so efficient. Or so I believed. Little did I know but that’s getting ahead of my story.

Rather than change planes en route to visiting my CA family I opted to travel back to NY, visit friends in Nassau County and take a nonstop from JFK.

The first leg of the trip couldn’t have been smoother. I was moved into first class for reasons unknown; shared an unexpected encounter with a compatible stranger, who agreed that we will quite soon consider each other a friend..

The weekend in NY was a total joy, but in the excitement of sharing news, old stories, and enjoying each other’s company, Mary, my wonderful hostess and I never turned on either a radio or TV to check weather. The sun was shining as I departed with Mike, my always reliable limo driver, and I settled back for a tranquil trip to CA

Once again I was delighted with the seat I had on the plane, aisle and with extra leg room. The only clue I had to a cloud in the future was when I overheard someone ask the attendant, “Are we going to beat the storm?” He replied, “I hope so,” but he was wrong.

After three hours on the runway along with more planes than I could count, we returned to the gate.

NYC was in the midst of a horrendous storm and every flight had been canceled including those to Europe. The terminal was wall to wall with more people than I could recall having seen in the past six months.

For the first time in my memory, I had not checked baggage. I had a Carryon that seemed to grow in weight by the minute as I pulled it looking for any available seat. However, in my foolish assumption of efficiency, I had made several major mistakes. I had packed the charger for my cell phone somewhere in the depths of the overburdened Carryon. My link to communication was rapidly evaporating.

Within minutes I found myself without friends or family and requiring assistance. And to my utter amazement and joy, I found it everywhere in the crowded NYC airport which was once compared to a third world country.

In a sense the description is correct. Few people speak our language in such a setting. Most do not look like native New Yorkers, nor dress like us. Yet I discovered in the 10 and a half hours I spent in this overcrowded setting, the absolute and unbounded kindness of strangers. Those that didn’t understand my words, understood my need. Every time I reached out there was a kind face and hand to help me. And amazingly, not just for me, but for every stranger requiring assistance

During this uncomfortable evening which did not end until our plane departed at 1 am. I never heard a. voice raised in complaint or anger. Rather I watched all of God’s people befriend each other, and I wondered if this was the way the world was in the beginning long before maps were drawn and territories claimed.

I could say “Wow, it was a trip from Hades,” but it wasn’t. I was blessed with the joy of a wonderful adventure and the totally unexpected experience of learning that language and different attire doesn’t bar kindness.