People Watching

Originally Written Between 2013-2015    

I have an hour and a half to wait for the airplane to take me to my destination.  Lots of time to “people watch!”  So, who is the first person I see?  A lady walking toward me with her boarding pass in one hand, her rolling carry-on luggage in the other and her large purse over her shoulder.  She keeps looking at the boarding pass as if she can’t believe she’s ever going to find the right gate and maybe it’s wrong.  Ah, she found it.  Good for her.  That’s right.  Get all settled in your seat.  It’s going to be a long wait.  I know.  I’m at the same gate – heading for Chicago.

 

What’s all the commotion behind me?  What is going on with the cheering and the crying? Oh, how great!  A soldier is coming home and getting a whole bunch of hugs and kisses from his wife and kids, family and friends.  As they all walk toward the baggage claim, almost everyone at each of the gates stand up and salute him.  Thank you for your service, young man.

 

Ahhhh, look at the honeymooners.  Can’t keep their hands off of each other.  I wonder where their destination is.  Or, maybe they are on their way back.  Either way, looks like they are happy.  Good for them.

 

Well, I can’t just sit here and stare at people.  Maybe I’ll just check my texts and emails one more time before my flight is called.  Hmmmm…. Looks like everyone else here at Gate 17F is thinking the same thing.  All heads are looking down and voices are getting louder as all make last-minute calls.  It’s fun to see all the people trying to charge their phones and laptops from those little charging stations.  Sure am glad I thought ahead and charged everything at home!

 

Oh my goodness!  Look at those two young gals sitting across from me.  They are huge!  And they are probably only 20 or 21.  Their legs are so big, they can’t even cross them or even keep them closed.  How gross!  And I have to look at them.  Well, I really don’t have to.  I’ll just move to another seat.  

 

Oh, Oh.  Here comes a mom with three little kids.  Looks like maybe they are two, four and six.  Sure hope the dad shows up.  These kids look like they can run circles around that mother.  Yes, yes, mom.  Let’s get that diaper changed before you get on the plane.  Wait – wait – they are sitting at my gate.  Don’t tell me they are on my flight!  Hey, kid.  You don’t really need to have all those treats in your backpack, do you?  Well, if they will keep you quiet, I guess it’s okay.  Boy, the little one sure acts like he needs a nap.  Didn’t know he could scream so loudly.  Settle down.  Settle down, little guy.  Maybe mom has a few bottles of milk for you so you can go to sleep.

 

My flight #8636 has just been called.  Yea.  Even though I’m in group 5, I think I better get in line – since everyone else has done the same thing.  Doesn’t look like a dad is going to join the mom and the three kids.  Poor thing.  Let’s hope the kids sleep.  Oh no!  I’m in the window seat in Row 22.  Guess who is one row behind me in Row 23?  That’s right.  Mom and her two youngest kids.  The oldest is sitting right next to me! The door is closing!  I can’t change seats since every one is filled.  The four-year old is kicking the back of my seat.  The little one is still screaming.  Get me out of here!  Oh, no – the door is closing.  Help me.  Help me.  Help me.