Friday, September 17, 2021
Recipient:
Alyssa on Delta flight to LGA
Our first interaction on the flight came after her sub sandwich slipped off her lap and landed on the floor between us in an explosion of vegetables.
She apologized.
I said it was OK, and helped scoop up the mess.
This could have been the end of the story. She had headphones. I had a crossword puzzle. We could have flown from DIA to LaGuardia in friendly silence.
But because I am me and would rather not miss out on a chance to chat with someone if they're game, I extended my standard offer: Talk, not talk, it's up to you, and it's all good.
What a lovely person she turned out to be. Smart, caring, beautiful, committed to the betterment of others. I found out she worked for a social service agency in Denver as well as having a part-time gig at a bridal shop, which was a nice complement to her other work which could be serious and heart-breaking. She talked about wanting to combine her love of fashion and beauty and her desire to help other women get to a better place in life. She talked about her mother and her aunt, both important figures in her life. We swapped music and book recommendations. As we continued to talk, I kept thinking, "She's such a dynamic person who has so much on the ball. I can see her making real change in the world. I hope she has people around her who will tell her that, and encourage her."
Well, she did.
And I did.
Wherever you are, Alyssa, I hope all went well in New York.
Also:
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you be safe.
May you find deep joy.
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