I just got home from driving Jon to the Albany Airport. Leaving him on the sidewalk outside the building made me think of the first time I drove him to the airport 7 or 8 years ago. We we friends, and I was being paid by Random House to drive Jon to local book events and drop him off and pick him up at the airport. That first time I did, I felt like I was taking my kid to his first day of school. I don’t know why, I guess he seemed so alone to me and I felt protective of him.
This time was different, for all the reasons Jon wrote so beautifully about his on his blog this afternoon. And because the sadness I felt was just the normal sadness of missing someone you love. I didn’t cry all the way home, like I did the book tour after my divorce. I thought of our kisses goodbye and of how good it would be in three days when I drive back to the airport to pick Jon up and bring him home. I’ll be like those people I like to watch when I’m waiting for Jon to walk out of the terminal. The ones whose face suddenly breaks out into a big grin and they move slowly forward arms wide open waiting for their boyfriend or daughter or grandmother to walk into their waiting hug. Joy overcoming the weariness of travel. Love reunited.
So very eloquent. It brought to mind the song ‘One Cool Remove’ by Shawn Colvin with Mary Chapin Carpenter. Enjoy your weekend!
Love is beautiful, grand and great for the soul. 🙂
Made me think of one of my favorite songs (Pre-9/11 when you could still go to the gate to meet someone):
“the arrival’s gate” by Ani DiFranco
gonna go out
to the arrivals gate at the airport
and sit there all day
watch people reuniting
public affection is so exciting
it even makes airports ok
watching children run
with their arms outstretched
just to throw those arms
around their grandpas’ necks
watching lovers plant kisses
old men to their misses
at the arrivals gate
watching a mother
with a mother’s smile
don’t tell me to move
i just wanna sit here for a while
i have determined
it’s a sure cure for cancer
watching excitment turn family
dogs into dancers
at the arrivals gate
Perfect Jen, thanks
I love your thoughts on this, Maria. It reminds me not to take Ken for granted – he travels so much and the drop-offs and pick-ups or homecomings become routine. I think here it is called the “Kiss and Ride” – at least at the subway stations but the same is true for the airport. It is usually such a madhouse – you jockey for a position as close to the sidewalk/airline as you can, quick kiss, unload the suitcase, bless him and send him on his way and drive off into the sunset or sunrise, take your pick, while dodging the taxis and other cars coming and going, doing the same thing you are. I will remember next time…..
I bet it will make Ken remember too, Pat.
Lovely Maria! Like in the beginning scene of “Love Actually” I love that scene of normal people hugging and kissing in the airport. Nothing dignified, but beautiful. I am so happy for you and Jon. Hopeful for myself.
You’re the second person to mention that Lisa, I’m going to have to watch that movie.
love actually is a great movie — those first scenes are great — but not as good as your writing — love it! 🙂
ah Brenda, You are too kind.
I’ve been so behind on my reading lately and am catching up. This post stopped me and I broke into a huge smile. I feel that way every time I am going to pick John (“my John” :)) up, or am coming home. It’s been over 30 years at this point, and I still break into the grin just thinking about it. I wish you both the same, lasting feeling :))
It’s so beautiful to hear that the love stays alive after all those years Lisa. Huge Smile here too.