Smiling Now...At Times

As returning Epics know, I have always loved Hartsfield airport in Atlanta.  One of my favorite restaurants is there.  I have met many new friends there.  They have a tremendous sculpture exhibit from Africa there in the tunnel between the A and T concourses.  Returning Epics also know what a year this has been for me thus far.

But even in a maelstrom the wind eventually calms and the clouds eventually begin to part, if only intermittently.  Sun peeks through.  In the last sixteen weeks I have not only been through the worst emotional battering of my life but I have met a couple of superb new friends, had a few priceless trips, and I have even had some memorable social events.

I sat up in bed a couple of days ago during a tremendous trip to New York and realized that I felt better.  Just a little.  As if my internal compass had re-calibrated.  That made me smile.  But the next day I had to return to reality.  I was concerned that my re-calibration might not survive the trip.

Then I happened through the Hartsfield tunnel between the B and A concourses. Where I ran upon the most amazing sculpture that lines the entire ceiling.  It simulates tropical tree cover as you stroll along beneath it.  Full of lush colors and light.  With little spots where video panels show sky and birds flying about.  With audio of bird calls.  I really cannot adequately describe this marvelous work of art.  Or its effect on people of all ages.  Both children and adults were just standing looking up at different points.  Taking photos or video.  Or just staring with big grins on their faces.  Including me. My fears of losing my New York smile vanished when I saw this sculpture.  In an airport tunnel.  A true Epic experience which carried the lovely memories of my trip forward.  Undimmed.  Smiling still.