You’re probably thinking - oh jeez, I hate when fellow passengers talk to me on the plane.
As you settle into that rigid seat, the last thing you want is some Chatty Cathy next to you. The moment they open their mouths, you immediately fill with worry that you’re about to hear their unhinged conspiracy theories or be sold on “their next great idea.”
Or perhaps a 2-hour and 22-minute retelling of your life in Alabama, Vietnam, and a shrimp boat.
I know, I know… not set on plane.
Trust me, I get it. I’ve certainly been known to put my headphones on before I even hit the jet bridge. Sometimes you just need to enjoy your silent bubble.
But you know what? Sometimes, talking to that stranger can turn into a beautiful moment you never saw coming.
On a recent flight to London, I’d had my fill of movies and opted to pull out a book.1 While all 5’3” of me mightily stretched to the overhead bin to retrieve a paperback, a woman sitting nearby commented on how wonderful it was to see a young person choosing to read.
*Cue internal shouting* - SHE THINKS I’M YOUNG! WOOHOO!
Now, as background, you should know I possess the gift of gab - I often say I could “talk to a brick wall.” So, give me a kind human with gentle eyes and an effervescent soul? Easy peasy.
In discussing our journey across the pond, I learned that my new friend Jill of Whidbey Island, was on her last trip to her homeland of England. You see, Jill is 90 years young. She and her darling husband of 64 years were off to see one of their children.
Jill shared with me that she’d accepted her age would prevent future long-haul flights. In saying this, I could see she was grateful, though tinged with sadness. Our conversation about life ebbed and flowed for a half hour as I heard tales of her long, lovely life.
Just as I was preparing to return to my seat, book in hand, Jill and my conversation turned to my life story. Eight months ago, telling people I’d left a corporate attorney position to try writing a book would have paralyzed me with fear, worried about how someone —even a stranger—might roll their eyes at the notion. But on this flight, the words bubbled out of me, and I confidently told Jill about my manuscript.
Her eyes lit up in a new way, and her response will forever be emblazoned in my mind. “Oh darling, that is brave. You must pursue your passions.” I was shocked.
Here was a complete stranger, earnestly encouraging the path I’ve chosen. We didn’t know each other — she could have said anything. “That’s dumb,” or “But what about your law degree?” or even “Novel writing, really? Doesn’t sound like a very reliable career.”
But no. Jill, clad in a pastel green sweater, looked me squarely in the eyes and reassured me that this adventure was worth pursuing. In 90 years, I imagine Jill has faced many challenges, lost people too soon, and probably even made choices she wishes she’d approached differently— that’s simply part of being human.
However, Jill’s message didn’t focus on safe choices or stability. Her years on this big beautiful planet has given her a wisdom and hindsight that flowed freely. Jill didn’t encourage only stepping safely into shallow waters.
Instead, her speech provided a short but heartfelt lesson on being happy —her message highlighted the importance of leaping into the deep end, even if you’re unsure if you’ll safely touch the bottom.
Before we parted ways, Jill — off to the homeland she’d left behind decades prior — had me do something I'll never forget, even if I’m lucky enough to live as long as my sage seatmate.
From her tote, Jill pulled out a paperback—a mystery novel she’d picked up at a secondhand store. She told me she initially planned to donate it back to another shop when she’d finished because, “books are for sharing.”
Instead, while handing me a pen, this sweet grandmother asked, “Will you sign this book so that one day soon I can look up your name and see it on a book cover?”
I nearly burst into tears.
Of course, I obliged.
Imposter syndrome surging, I proceeded to write Jill a brief message. I told her it had been a pleasure to meet her, and to one day look out for my novel “Mise en Place.”
It was the first time I’d shared the title of my manuscript with anyone outside my bubble. And here I am doing it again… ON THE INTERNET!
Before settling in my seat, I insisted on a photo - needing to commemorate what felt like a transformative moment in pursuing my dreams.
Although I have no idea what my publishing journey will look like, I think I’m more motivated than ever to get this book out there because…
I need to send a copy to my new friend Jill.2
Strangers on a plane can make you walk on a cloud - add that to the list of soul-filling C’est La Vie moments!
Until next time,
Megan
P.S. to all my fellow millennials: yes, my mind has repeatedly shouted “IDK, my BFF Jill” as I’ve drafted this post. If you know, you know.
Despite loving books, sometimes I choose to watch TV/movies over reading. Especially on a dark, overnight plane ride when the overhead light makes my eyes burn. Don’t judge!
If, by some unusual chance, you, dear reader, know Jill (we did not exchange contact information), and you see this, I’d be tickled pink if you passed it along.
I just teared up. So sweet!!
Crying... so sweet! XO