Airports are welcoming to all walks of life. Airports are transitional; however, they carry emotion in them. They hold so much pain, happiness and anxiety. We sometimes forget the lives of the individuals standing behind us, who may be indifferent, eager or apprehensive about flying. They may be leaving everything they've ever known. We all come with our stories. Remember theirs.

The anxious girl, in blue jeans and a college t-shirt, is desperately using her stiff backpack as a pillow. She's frazzled, on the phone, desperately hugging her purse. She wants to sleep. But she's been on standby for the past three days. Will she ever leave Heathrow? She needs to attend her own graduation ceremony.

Here comes the calm British officer on the intercom:
"Due to security reasons, all luggage left unattended will be destroyed."

She has heard that one too many times. His voice is ringing in her ears. She holds onto her purse even harder.

The middle-aged man's eyes land on hers as he's running by with his North Face backpack hugging his torso. His head is spinning, yet he wonders about the girl. He can't miss another funeral in his family again. His heart is aching. His knees just keep getting worse, and his heart is giving away. If only his best friend's car hadn't broken down on his way here.

"Good evening, passengers. This is a pre-boarding announcement for Flight 4116 to JFK. We are now calling all passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding."

He clenches his jaw, and hopes that somehow, somewhat and someway, he's getting on that airplane tonight.

A young woman watches him from afar as she feels the moving crowds' eyes on her. She's wearing a solid white head scarf, and leading her 3-year-old kid toward baggage claim. She senses their judgmental glares, racist body language. Yet all she can think about is her husband, in the military, who just got home from Iraq. He hasn't seen his son in two years. She hasn't felt his warm and safe embrace for 24 months.

She's staring at the arrivals board at the airport.

Landed.

He's here.

The 15 year-old-boy has just fastened his seatbelt on the plane, right after adjusting his little sister's. He remembers the lady in the headscarf and the spark in her eyes. He wonders how someone could feel happiness right now. He thinks about his destination. He glances at his torn father by the window seat. They're heading to their mom's funeral in Florida. It can't be sunny. His whole world's falling apart. He glances down at his 6-year-old sister.

"I hope you never have to experience loss again."

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 65. Our destination today is San Francisco. We are currently second in line for take-off and are estimating to be in the air in approximately nine minutes time."

He tightens his seatbelt. He closes his eyes.

We are all human. Be empathetic.