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.