11 Comments
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Henny Hiemenz's avatar

This was fun. Philly has white rocking chairs as well. But aside from that it is an objectively horrible airport.

Rick Lewis's avatar

Ok, good to know. I fly a lot but curiously have never connected through Philly. Sounds like, aside from the rockers, that's a good thing.

PJReece's avatar

What a life! Glad to have intersected with it for some of those years. And so many more to come, Rick ... time enough to write a book called "The Meaning of Life" ... because somewhere in all your life lessons is the feeling/idea/notion that a person must over-reach in order to invite the Holy Spirit (if you're a Christian) ... or, if you're not, then, to invite the opportunity to prove you can survive self-doubt, utter confusion, hey, even self-loathing... long enough to see things in a new light. A metanoia. Oh, my kingdom for a metanoia!

Rick Lewis's avatar

Metanoia is such a great word. This needs to make its way more into my thinking. Over-reach usually has such a negative connotation. It would be such a joy to take that word back and make it sacred. Love the idea. I'd rather title the whole thing, "OverReach"

Kathy Ayers's avatar

You are great at breaking the mold in entertaining, inspiring ways. I love the free-wheeling, anti-overthinking approach here.

What a life. Seems like parenting took you to graduate school.

What an interesting essay. So unique.

Rick Lewis's avatar

Parenting won't leave you untouched that's for sure. Thanks Kathy.

Matthew Gray's avatar

* Who knew the most persuasive FAQ is the one that refuses to behave? This reads less like customer support and more like a Rick-Jazz solo on his unicycle.

Rick Lewis's avatar

I expect to see your own version of this soon on your own site. Or come to think of it, most of your publication is misbehaving already.

Matt Cyr's avatar

Man, Rick. I know about a fair number of these things. Reading it in one place reminds me how many different things you’ve done in your life. So inspiring.

I was floored by Charlotte being your fav airport. When I first read it, I thought it was a set up for a joke. Whatever good luck you’ve had there, keep it close and held tight. When I was at Clemson, there were many students who drove home to VA, MD, PA, rather than fly into CLT.

Rick Lewis's avatar

Oh, that's really funny that it is infamously inhospitable for travelers. I've had numerous layovers there, never a problem with flights or anything else, Sushi at the sushi bar sometimes with the live piano player, and then sitting in the sunlight in one of the rockers. What's not to like?? ha ha, don't tell me.

Chao Lam's avatar

OK, now I have to ask: what's your alternate name?