arrivals...

I've spent an inordinate amount of time in airport arrival halls over the past weeks. If you're depressed from watching too much CNN and doubting whether there's much goodness and love left in the world, I'd suggest spending some time in one of these underappreciated places...

Pretend you're waiting for a late plane and just watch... The random collection of strangers gathered -- people who will likely never cross paths again in life, but for a few moments are united by an air of expectancy... All eyes trained on sliding doors that open intermittently to expulge yet another ordinary traveller -- a nameless person who suddenly becomes alive and intriguing when connected with a smile, a face, open arms on the other side of the room...

Personal snapshots in a sea of strangers... The intimacy of a kiss, warmth of a hug, aloofness of a handshake, depth of tears... Overlapping languages and so much emotion crowded in one room... If I had to pinpoint one overwhelming feeling emerging from that scene I would call it joy. The momentary realization of knowing you are loved, and missed, and looked for...

Everyone in the world should know that moment.

:: "Sometimes I would rather that people take away years from my life than take away a moment." – Pearl Bailey