You can meet some interesting people on planes. Honestly I usually try to ignore them. I do the general talk and what not, but once those duties are over, my headphones go in and my mouth goes shut. But on my flight from New York to Istanbul, Turkey this was not the story.
Walking back to your seat on a plane you are constantly on the lookout for 1.) where your friends are and 2.) who is sitting next to you. On this occasion as I am walking back I see that my seat is in between two older women. Great this should be a fun ride. The woman by the window did not talk much. But immediately the woman on the aisle started chatting with me. At first I was planning on only doing the general conversation, but before I knew it there was this tug on my heart to continue the conversation with her. So I tried my hardest.
Her name: Inana
Her Birthplace: Russia
Current Living: New York
Traveling: To Turkey for holiday
We talked for awhile. She hadn’t traveled much and with me being the expert I am, was her guide. I helped her choose her meal and figure out which feast would be hers. I also was able to help her with watching a movie. She told me she wasn’t knowledgeable with computers. But I was glad to help. She kept apologizing and I kept saying “it’s okay” and it truly was.
What really hit me was the elderly aspect. I found out that soon is the one year anniversary of the passing of my grandma. And it wasn’t a secret that we didn’t have the best relationship while she was alive. Here I am talking to Inana and it is incredible how much she reminds me of my grandma. I seriously wanted to burst into tears right on the plan, but I kept it together.
She told me about traveling. Her life in Russia. How she saw great things for me. Her English was sometimes a little difficult to understand, but I got the point.
I remember that the plane was nearing Istanbul, time was running out to talk to this woman. I had to decide between watching the Flinstones (which I love) and talking to her. And before I know it, the screen goes off and my full attention is on her. (I even lost sleep because I wanted to talk to her). I know I made an impact on her life, and she definitely made one on mine. And though I may never see her again, she will forever be a part of my life.
