one time yes, I think I know what you mean.
I was sitting in an Airplane on my way to Morocco. I was having a mid life crisis after my divorce. I had severe anxiety all my life, my world was closing in on me. I found out my mother was terminally ill with cancer, my siblings were in crisis in there own lives, and I was feeling like I was just slowing dying.
A friend of mine suggested I meet my fears. I went to a shrink that basically said the same thing. He gave me a book and in the first chapter there was some profound relief for me. I summoned the courage to go on a life quest.
After the plan to New York and then waiting there for 4 hours for my next plane. I almost gave up and headed home. I hate flying, to the point of panic. The trip to New York almost killed me alone.
So I convince myself to get on that rickety airline to go across the Atlantic to god knows what. I am realize I am in a 1/4 full plane and the people on it are all men. Only the flight crew is female. I feel a little awkward and uncomfortable. I am in the way back. When this very vibrant, colorful man from Senegal, wearing chains and chains of gold, gold teeth, dread locks, a trench coat to his ankles, crocodile skin boots, Rolex watches, and has a thick african accent, plops down right next to me (rows are empty mind you) and pats me on the back like an old friend.
"mama I see you look verrrrry frightened, no worries mama...Cedric he got you in his hands" He opens his hand and in it a slightly melted snickers bar. I didnt know whether to laugh or scream for help. When he sees my hesitation and fear, he calls the flight attendant over and says "little lady, you watch us no, and be sure my friend here is allll-right k. You be her guardian" the attendant smiles at me in a quirky way and leaves. So I am trapped with this man.
BEST plan ride of my life. It was literally life changing, He told me of his people, his family, his life, his dreams. He told me everything about me in a nutshell with only listening to a few things that I had to say. That man talked and talked, and NOT once did I feel fright. He was mezmorizing. When the plane landed, he placed his hand on my shoulder, his hazy brown eyes looked deep into mine, he just said "M it will be alright, we will meet again next time around"
I can not tell you the soul lifting feeling cause there are really no words. It was as if I could breath, I could function. I TRULY felt he was right. Never met him again but that man saved my life. I swear its true. Time to time I think of him and I feel peace. I hope some day I do meet him again in this life or the next.
