On A Higher Plane
|
Posted By: Chantell Chenault on May 26, 2005 I've never been one to believe in the statement that "everything happens for a reason"; that there are no coincidences in life, that everything means something. Blah on that. I mean, you're telling me that COP ROCK happened for a reason?!?!? Ben Affleck becoming a star is more than mere coincidence?!?!? I'm not buying that. At all. So I've lived my entire life not subscribing to the fact that everything means something...except when I board an airplane. Then, like no other time, I get the feeling that the person I sit next to was put there for a reason--to teach me a lesson, to be a source of conversation, to annoy me to the point that my family looks great by comparison--there's always something I take away from the experience. Like the time I was on the flight with the teenaged girl who was flying for the first time. She was nervous and cool at the same time, explaining to me that her grandmother would be waiting for her when we landed in Atlanta; how she appreciated me keeping her company while we flew and asking if I wanted some gum or to listen to her CDs when she was done; her asking me to pray with her and to hold her hand when we were about to touch down. Or when I met an elderly couple on the way to Cleveland that wintry day a few years back, fresh off their wonderful trip to New York for shopping. Turns out they were heavily involved in the local Urban League and we had some mutual acquaintances. They gave me their address and we kept in touch for over a year, exchanging holiday cards and them shouting me out for my birthday. Then there was the time I was on a flight back from Atlanta, sitting next to a fidgety young white boy who was travelling to New York for school, this being the first time he left his family for an extended period of time. He was nervous, kept asking me questions about the city, how to get around on the subway, and the best places to eat near Columbia University. I was happy to oblige, giving details of what he should expect, what to look out for, what to do. Being the detail-heavy writer that I am, I left him feeling assured that he was well-equipped for the road ahead, for the city that never sleeps, for the adventure of a lifetime. That...was the day before 9/11. And to this day, I think back to that plane ride, and that young man, and wonder how fidgety he was after that experience, after the day that changed the world. I wonder if he went back home soon after; if he stayed and got his education. On a day that changed the playing field, brushed back even the most seasoned of New Yorkers, I often wonder if that kid took that high and tight pitch and stayed at the plate. Seriously, I wouldn't blame him if he didn't. Those are just some of the experiences that popped into my head tonight as our plane sat on the runway for over an hour waiting to be towed into our gate. Those are some of the thoughts that danced around as a rare Los Angeles rain danced on the wings of the jumbo liner. I think back on those conversations, those random people who were brought into my life for a reason...if nothing else than to let me know them. It's that wide cross section that makes everything seem reasonable, not so coincidental. Makes me want to be a part of their stories, to wonder how big a role I played in helping their stories progress. I have no such story for this flight, unfortunately. The dude sitting next to me was way past needing my help. His constant fits and starts, tosses and turns, snorts and coughs made me believe that he needed the help of a professional. My synopsis was confirmed when, in an effort to get comfortable...he sat on the floor. Of the airplane. At 26,000 feet. I.couldn't.make.this.up. Sigh. Those are just some of the things that kind of make me believe in that statement, that everything happens for a reason, at least for a second. At least until I land, when my feet are back underneath me, when I remember that everything cannot be explained, like Ashanti's singing career and Lil Kim's face. Then, I realize that I was right in my assumptions. That something must be in the air, that the cabin pressure must play a big part in those scenarios, those times when myself and the people next to me are on a higher plane. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Chantell Chenault
From Milwaukee, WI Hampton University class of 2008 Member Since April 2005 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Keep butts out thee ER room during this US IntermissionWho: Everybody forgot those thoughts of UbeR
Get your grill fired up and cook something festivE
Let me see who can wear thee most layerS
...more
How May I Help You NC • 45 Views • January 25th, 2026 |
 |
JUNIQUES OFFERS SHARE THE REVENUE AD STREAMING SERVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Visit: http://JuniquesAdService.com
Juniques Ad Service is proud to introduce its Share The Revenue Streaming Ad Service, a breakthrough promotional solution designed specifically for micro and s ...more
rickey johnson • 76 Views • January 25th, 2026 |
 |
ATTEND THE I AM AMERICA AWARDS EVENT STREAMING LIVE ON BRIONOW.ONLINE.COMHTTPS://IAMAWARDS.ORG
About The I Am Awards
A celebration of excellence, resilience, and the extraordinary contributions of minority communities to America's story.
Our Mission
The I Am Awards ...more
rickey johnson • 48 Views • January 25th, 2026 |
 |
Family Guy - Stewie Mom Mum MommyThe adventures of an eccentric family living in New England.
FOX
•
1999
•
Animation
•
TV-14
https://www.fox.com/detail/series/SER000854XOPZ/family-guy ...more
How May I Help You NC • 46 Views • January 25th, 2026 |
 |
CA$E in Miami Q&AHope y’all enjoyed our long azz podcast session lol
Add some suggestions for videos for us or questions for the next Q&A in the comments!
Follow my friends:
Stevi: https://www.instagram....
Cr ...more
How May I Help You NC • 57 Views • January 24th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 200 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,793,180 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,018 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,115 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,339 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
