Monday, January 31, 2011

Airports

I spent some time at the airport in the last couple of days, as my sweet girl came from Arkansas to visit me.

An airport is a great place to watch people. I hope to publish a novel someday, if the Lord wills and publishers agree, and I do believe some of my best fodder will come from airport meanderings. The conversations. The clothing. The mannerisms. The quirks.

People are funny. But this time, I didn't watch for funny. I watched for emotion in the two common happenings: Goodbyes and Hellos.

I watched couples linger as long as possible, his hands on her hips, her fingers on his lapel. Looking for more things to say, more promises to make, before the final boarding call.

I watched mothers kiss their daughters on the cheek. I watched sons wipe the kiss away with one swift movement.

I saw people treasuring their last. I saw people talking on a cell phone on their way out.

I watched confidence, worry, too much baggage, disguises of many varieties.

But I saw some pretty beautiful hellos.

Flowers. Balloons. Tears. Momma's home. Giggling babies. My favorites were the running hugs, the scooping up, the twirling. I loved watching them breathe each other in, the scent of remembering.

The remembering. The together.

I wonder if this journey is all a little bit like that. The tears at the goodbye. The joy at the hello.

I think we'll run to each other. He'll scoop me up. He'll twirl me. I know he will.

And then he'll show me around. There's nothing Robb loves more than knowing a place inside and out, giving the grand tour.

Together, someday. I wonder if he'll smell just the same.

~ ~ ~


I miss you, babe.
And I'm wearing your sweatshirt.
The one you loved.
OSU Rose Bowl.
Your favorite.
The one you didn't share well.
Can't take it with you, kiddo.
I'm wearing it tonight.

6 comments:

everythingismeowsome said...

I love the airport scenes as well.....and I'd love to read your book.

Mrs. MK said...

Your book will be stunning, from what you've written here. I'm first in line to buy it!

That Hello,Jesus!!! and the all of ones we are eagerly anticipating, will explode with a joy we can't even fathom. I can't wait.

Jessica Renshaw said...

Tricia, I love the way you write. You draw me in until I'm so sad and wistful--and then snap me out of sentimentality with a laugh I wasn't expecting. I love it.

Unknown said...

Tricia,
I have no doubt you will be a wonderful author and that God is with you every step of the way. I have been reading the book Pearl Girls: encountering grit, experiencing grace (http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books/)
It is amazing how many authors had tragic happenings in their lives.
Praying for you!

Tina said...

I would love to be people watching in heaven when you and your husband are reunited.

lovecat said...

Wow, that sounds wonderful to me too. I can't wait until the day we both get to be swept away into our dear husbands arms. :) I keep stealing my husbands shirts too. His pirate radio shirt was his favorite. It has become my nightshirt and I laugh when the baby spits up on it. I feel like he is standing there going, "Not the shirt, not the shirt!"
Thank you for the happy vision you gave me tonight. I really really needed it.
Love,
Jenny