I just got off an airplane, and I’m sitting in the Charlotte North Carolina Airport thinking about something I just saw.
It was a woman crying.
It’s hard to explain what it was like, but I feel like I need to try. She was leaning against the wall inside the terminal, all by herself, crying. She wasn’t trying to hide it exactly, but she wasn’t broadcasting it either. All around her, people walked by, not noticing because she was crying so quietly. She was older and gracefull looking, the way I picture my grandmother when she was in her 40′s. Her hair was blonde with just a touch of gray, and the bluest eyes, which I could see even though her eyes were full of tears. In one hand, she held a tissue. In the other, she clutched a cell phone.
I stood for a moment, watching her.
Just to her right, was an airline pilot, who was qiuetly watching her also. He looked like he wanted to say something, but couldn’t find the words.
I wonder what happened to make such a beautiful creature so sad. What tragedy? What sorrow?
But for the grace of God, that could be me, or anyone of the beautiful creatures I hold dear. After all, sorrow plays no favorites.
I hope she’s ok. I hope it works out. I hope things become right soon, but for now, she can only cry.