Airport Angels

So Im in DC, at the airport, waiting for my flight, which is delayed - *shocker*

Im on Facebook, chatting with my boo, and the lady that was sitting behind me says something. I dont remember what it was, but it resulted in us talking about the flight delay. After a few passes and some checking in with the people at the counter, we decide to go to the bar for a drink, while we wait.

In talking to her, I learn that she is in the military. She tells me she is on her way to Germany, via Newark, for a training, and that she may end up having to go right from there to the drama over in Africa. We talk further and she tells me that she has been in the service for 19 years and has no desire to retire, even though she could after one more year. 19 years? That makes this woman about 45 years old and when I tell yall she dont look a day over 30...... chile...... We have some laughs with the barkeep, then mosey on to the gate our flight has been changed to, and decide to sit together.

On the plane, she tells me more about her service in the Airforce. I asked how she ended up in the military and she said she wanted to do it since she was a child. Her uncle served for something like 34 years and he was her inspiration. She told me how she was married at 22 and her husband at the time convinced her not to enlist. Four years later, she couldnt ignore the call and enlisted anyway. Her marriage failed, as did every romantic venture she attempted thereafter, and her advice to me, after learning that I am seeing a military man, was to support him in his career. There was obvious hurt in her voice as she spoke and I can tell that she had endured some heartaches behind a lack of that very thing. I told her what I knew of his assignment, experiences and intentions and she smiled, able to relate to most of it. She shared with me words of encouragement regarding our relationship and reiterated that it wouldnt be easy, but that it could be done if I just likened his perception of his career to my perception of my writing. That put it all into perspective. I couldnt long be with a man who didnt support that, so I understood.

We deplaned together and I showed her to the air train and gave her instructions on how to get to the terminal she needed. She asked for my card and said she would look me up on Facebook, and I invited her to look me up if ever she was back in town. She hugged me and went on her way.

I started out annoyed about yet another flight delay, but I found tonight that some things are necessary evils in the scope of discovery. I got in the taxi not only feeling confident about the relationship I have entered into, but also having such a deep understanding and respect for this random woman I met tonight. Senior Master Sargent Shirley Mitchell, this one's for you. Fly safely to Germany, and thank you so much for your continued service! :)