In 27-D, I Was Behind The Wing Watching

Flying into D.C. this week, I saw the most amazing thing. As the plane is coming in for a landing, one of the flight attendants sits down accross the aisle from me, in 27-A, opens the window and looks out at the District like it’s the first time he’s ever come in for a landing. He stares out the window, his fingers start twitching slowly, and the world inside the plane disappears. It’s amazing to watch. Once we start our final descent, at the last moment allowed under FAA regulations, he stands up, moves back to his seat next to the rear exit, and picks up a sudoku puzzle. The tiny window in the door is of no interest, and though he’s moved no more than three feet it might as well be an entire world for how his perspective has changed.

I wondered if he did that every time, or if there was just something special about the water hazard they call Reagan International. I hope the wonder of that moment never wears off, that the magic and the passion never fades.

At that moment, I was glad that I have things in my life about which I am passionate. I don’t know what my life would be otherwise.