At the Atlanta airport. Boarding should take place in less than an hour. We arrived in A Concourse, and we are departing from E concourse. We took a train here from one terminal to another. On the train was a soldier, probably 18, on his way to Iraq. He was visibly nervous. It was the reverse portrait of the BWI-ATL flight. He was traveling alone, an uncertain fate on his mind. He said, “All I can hope is to return in one piece.” What a sobering thought from someone so young. Eighteen and in the cross-hairs of eternity.
We had a quick dinner at TGI Fridays, and we are ready for departure. Song of the moment: a bluesy, pop version of “You Light of My Life” playing in the restaurant. I’ve never heard it before – kind of sad but holding promise. Just like that young soldier.