once upon a time there was a boy who played with airplanes. on the morning of his departure he said his goodbyes to his family. the last little brother to say goodbye to the boy was the only one conscious. the little brother walked into the kitchen as the boy stood with a 50 lb. pack on his back. and the little brother held his thin arms out wide, to embrace the boy with the 50 lb. pack on his back. the two exchanged few words, and soon the little brother turned his back and walked the other direction - and the boy did the same, as he headed for the back door.

so we drove, the boy and i, to the airport. and our faces began to leak as we sat, illegally parked at the departure gate. it took forever to get out of the car...and it will seem like forever until we next meet.