An airplane seat is one of the most unique spaces in the world — a collection of strangers fit into their stationary positions, so close to one another that they literally are sharing the same oxygen, occupying that same space for hours on end. The travelers with whom we share an armrest all have their own stories.
Most of us don’t seek out lengthy conversations with those that we share this space or those we brush past at airport shops and restaurants. Are we missing an opportunity to appreciate someone unique? We never fully know the stories behind the people on those airplanes, people we bump into in the food courts or stand next to in the security lines.
His name was Jack. I met him in a pub in Boston’s Logan International Airport. I was spending my layover time by having a beer and watching a Boston Celtics game. Of the eight or so people in this small pub that night Jack entered the space and, of all the empty seats in this place, he sidled up to the empty seat right next to me at the bar.
Over the next thirty minutes Jack and I were bantering buddies. We chatted about the weekend’s football playoffs, the Boston Celtics, his job as a maintenance man for a wealthy condo complex in Florida, the weather, surface-level stuff. Jack was a bit brash. Nearly every other word out of his mouth was a curse word, but despite that, he was also playful and likable.
At the thirty minute mark of our time together the whole nature of our encounter changed in an instant.
“You know my dad just had a stroke”, he abruptly threw onto the table. “That’s why I’m here. I’m going to see my dad.”
The second thirty minutes was quite different from the first. He shared about his father’s failing health, how his dad told him he didn’t have to come to visit him, and how his family was dealing with the situation. Jack talked and I listened. When our time together had come to an end and we rose from our stools to shake hands, you could feel the uniqueness of this encounter.
I don’t believe Jack entered that space that night thinking he wanted or needed to share that information. But, for whatever reason, it was time for him to share and perhaps an available stranger was the best place to begin. I’m glad he did.
I walked out of that space more appreciative of someone else’s life, reflecting on the tough things that so many people are dealing with under the surface, and thankful for the fact that I was available for Jack.
During this crowded holiday travel season full of delays and cancellations, take a moment to appreciate the uniqueness of all the people weaving in and out of those security lines or sitting next to you on the plane. Maybe a moment of availability for a stranger will be just what someone needs at this step along their journey.
Jason Barger is author of Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Change the World, Start at the Airport.
