Connection with Others: A Gift to Savor for a Lifetime

It is amazing what can be created with others when we slow down, open our hearts and savor the moments that life has to offer.

While in line at the airport in Asheville, NC yesterday I watched two women sharing goodbyes at the check-in counter. I could feel their connection and the love and concern felt by one woman as the other was assisted by an airline employee into a wheelchair. I had an urge to ask if she was heading to Newark. I wanted to assure both women that everything would be ok … that I would look after the woman traveling home in the wheelchair. I felt the urge but did not speak the words. The moment passed just as many do in our lives, the two women moved on and I stepped up in line to check my bag and print my boarding pass.

An hour and a half later, the voice over the loud speaker informed me it was time to board my flight. I had been lucky at check in. I was able to move my seat to the front of the plane – one with more leg room that also provided me with the ability to get off more quickly upon arrival. I sat in my seat with my journal and blackberry waiting for the airplane doors to close and hoping for an on time departure.

I guess that some things in life are just meant to be. With only a few moments before the doors closed, the woman in the wheelchair boarded and of course, took the seat next to mine.

As she attempted to settle in, I jumped up to help her with her carry on luggage. Her appreciation for my help ran deep and we quickly connected and engaged in wonderful conversations about life. She had a sweetness and playfulness in her eyes that reminded me of my Grandma Mimi. She shared her name as well as many of her life experiences. She shared stories about being an actress in Hollywood, about being a director, a poet, a wife and mother. She recited one of her poems for me. She shared her love for her family and her challenges with letting go when her children left home to pursue their dreams. She talked about the care she provides for her husband and her love and admiration for the friend she had been visiting with in Asheville. She shared her heart with me and she shared her wisdom about living life fully and about caring and making time for others.

The flight was less than two hours. The experience will be with me forever. It was a wonderful reminder that taking time to connect with others, to care for others and truly see others and appreciate them for all that they are, creates moments to savor for a lifetime.