DEJA VU

Recently, amidst a race against time at the airport, sprinting to catch a flight to Florida via Charlotte, I found myself the last passenger to board, a bit flustered from the rush after swapping my car for an Uber to eliminate the parking hassle.

Initially relieved to have made it, my relief soon gave way to a sense of déjà vu. Two years prior, I shared about an extraordinary encounter with a minor league baseball player on a flight as he was called up to the majors. The lesson then was simple: ditch the headphones and embrace the people around you.

Despite subsequent failed attempts to replicate such an experience, fate smiled on me during this recent journey. As my seatmate shifted to the window, revealing his college ice hockey background, we delved into an enjoyable conversation about his athletic and professional experiences.

Before touchdown, we exchanged business cards and connected on LinkedIn. His genuine kindness shone through when he acknowledged my gratitude for alleviating my flying jitters with conversation, expressing his willingness to talk throughout the flight had he known about my nerves.

In a world where isolation often dominates, this encounter serves as a touching reminder. Surprising connections lurk in the unlikeliest corners, transforming a hectic day into a genuine human interaction. Tim, your openness to conversation amidst the rush is truly appreciated.