A Smile Through a Veil

I have been traveling to Florida recently for work - three times in the last 6 months so I've been doing a lot of flying.  I normally fly to Atlanta then to Pensacola and back - 4 flights per trip.  I like flying (aside from delays, ug) and it's prime people-watching opportunities all the time.  I've observed idiots fighting with their man on speaker phone, military personnel whom I've thanked for their service, kids...so many kids, elderly, couples, singles, workers, vacationers - the whole 9 yards.   

A few have stood out in my memory - like the Buddhist monk, an actual bhikkhu in full robes and matching bag, sitting in the lotus position in the airport and playing with his iPhone.  I found this amusing as I thought they weren't supposed to do the "technology thing" like that.  I took a picture of him (on the sly) as I was sitting across from him.  I went to show the picture to my man when I got home, and lo and behold the picture was GONE from my phone.  It was almost like that magic mother-fucker poofed the picture.  lol!

The most significant experience of this last trip home was the lovely Muslim lady.  She was in full burka, with a man I assume was her husband and her very young son - I would guess he was about a year old.  Sitting behind them, I observed her and her gentle, patient nature as she cared for her tired, squirming child.  I was watching her, but not with a judging eye but rather with a learning eye.  I imagined the amount of scorn she experiences in places like this airport, the judging and suspicious eyes she encounters, the discrimination she experiences.  I felt sorry for her and proud of her at the same time - upholding her values and doing what she needs to do with grace and poise.  

She and her family got on the plane early so they could get stroller and child situated, then when I was getting on the plane I got stuck in the aisle right in front of her.  Her little boy looked up at me and I smiled and said "hello there" then my eyes met with hers.  She looked nervous, like she was expecting me to scowl at her.  I wanted to tell her that I see her, feel for her and acknowledge her, and that I am ok with her...that she has my admiration.  I let my smile do the talking, however, and simply offered her a warm and genuine smile.  To my delight, she returned the smile, the rise of her cheeks clearly visible through her veil and her eyes lit up.  It was a lovely moment.  I hope it made the rest of her journey better...it certainly did mine.