Airport pick-ups

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A recent flight delay had me feeling huffy. A friend suggested I grab a coffee and watch the planes, his not-so-subtle way of telling me to chill out. I responded that I was at London City, where they don't give you the gates until the last minute and most areas don't have views of the plane. 

Today I'm sitting in Frankfurt, for once. Typically I only run through there but today I have a few minutes. So I grabbed a coke zero and some hydrating vegetable soup and I'm watching the planes. And suddenly I was transported to being a small kid. I vividly remember dropping my dad at the airport a few different times. We all went as a family to the gate, as this was pre 9-11. I remember pressing my nose to the glass and waving, watching him walk the jetty. He'd turn and wave at some point. Then mom would let us watch the aircraft taxi away and we would stay until it was a tiny speck in the sky before we would leave. 
I think that was the most impactful change post 9-11. Airports were no longer leisurely places to say goodbye or hello. Now every drop off is a rushed and hurried affair. The welcomes can be coordinated depending on the occasion and number in the party, but often are also brief. 
I travel mostly for work now via airplane. I alight with my laptop and a few bags. Maybe I'll call an Uber, but most times I take the local public transit to my destination. I miss the days of watching planes together, and of being welcomed by friends. 
I'm getting a rental car for this trip, but a friend did offer to pick me up, and now the nostalgia is hitting. So I just messaged to ask if I could get a ride, if even just to the rental cars. 
I didn't plan to share this simple small joy. But I remembered my friend's kind text and admonishment to please don't change. So today, the incredibly simple thing making me happy is watching the planes take off and the bustling activity of the airport and I decided to share that. 
Bon voyage! 
* update: my texted friend was free, and kindly met me at the airport to take me to the rental car center! It was an absolute joy to see her, and share my delight at being home with her, even if just for a short ride. And she kindly took all my bags home and put them in the room where I was staying. I'm grateful I asked for her assistance, and super thankful for her willingness to meet me :)

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