Unkindness

Returned from a trip to SF.  On the way out, early in the morning, a woman - perhaps in her late 30s - sat across the aisle from me.  Periodically she would touch my arm and ask me about the time. Then she would ask about SF. Then she would tell me her name.  Then she would ask and tell - again - and again.  I realized that she was quite frightened and that she was either cognitively or emotionally bound by some invisible demon.  I offered her soothing replies - all that I could offer.  She apologized for talking too much.  I wanted to gather her in my arms and protect this kind woman who was so vulnerable on the plane.  I felt blessed that I was able to sense her need before I had the chance to be unpleasant or unhelpful.  I felt as though I was given a lesson - a mission - to help without question.  This is one more Isabel gift - a chance to sense with more accuracy the intention and need of vulnerable souls around me - a chance to correct a tendency to dismiss or alienate myself from the bigger community of mankind.