I think it was about 50 years ago when I finally arrived at the airport. I say finally, because the flight lasted more than 14 hours. I was exhausted. I was anxious to get home, be with my family, and see some of my old friends. I’d been away for over a year, but it sure went fast.
I departed the plane and started walking to my connecting gate. A woman with a child was walking toward me. They seemed happy and excited. I imagined they were going to Disney World or some other fun place. I smiled.
When the woman made eye contact, she grabbed her child’s hand and quickly crossed to the other side of the aisle. I thought it was strange, but what isn’t?
I had some time and decided to stop and have a coke. My one bag was heavy. I found a table to sit and relax. There were three or four tables around me with travelers. Within a few minutes they all got up. Some left the area and one couple moved to a different table. I thought it was strange, but what isn’t?
I got to my gate and found a seat. I was sitting for only a few seconds and noticed some of the people getting up. Boarding was over an hour away. There weren’t a lot of seats and some of the travelers found other seats and some just moved to the window and stared out. I thought it was strange, but what isn’t?
Now some 50 years have passed, and most of that year, as well as my experience in the airport, have been forgotten. Today, I stopped by a Lowe’s store to pick up some nails. I was checking out and asked if they would honor my discount.
The clerk asked for my phone number and then said, “Done. You want a bag?” Nope, I said. And then she said, “Thanks for shopping at Lowe’s and thank you for your service.” I thought it was strange but what isn’t. Then I thought about what happened to me 50 years ago.
Who am I? I wonder how our law enforcement professionals will feel in 50 years.
