stranger's tears

Tears spilled from my eyes as my extremely overpriced airport purchase* blared hold on tight, wait for tomorrow, you'll be alright.

I wasn't sure I wanted tomorrow to come. Not if it meant that day was the last I'd get to see and talk to my grandma.

I was so intently listening to the music that I didn't even realize half the people around were staring at me. I looked a mess. I hadn't slept for more than a few hours in days. And now I was softly crying in a crowded public place. I'm sure I looked the part of the loon.

I packed up my laptop and grabbed a drink before I sat back down, far from where I had been. After a bit a nice woman sitting near me struck up a conversation. She said I looked a bit sad.

That's when the tears really started. She listened as I told her about my grandma and how close we were. She told me about her dad passing away this time last year. And teared up a little herself.

She made me feel less loony. She understood how mad it made me that everytime I told someone my grandma wasn't doing well they asked how old she was. As if being 91 means it's alright that she's not doing well right now.

Sure she's lived a long, great life. But she's still here. She's still with it. She still plays go fish, or something like it, with her grand kids. She's still hanging on, and I'm not ready to let her give up just yet.

My airport friend gave me a hug as we boarded the plane. We wished each other well. The kindness of complete strangers never ceases to astound me.

* Over-priced, but truly incredible!