The Comfort of Strangers: Seatmates – Part 2

A few weeks ago, I shared an essay highlighting how strangers often appear out of nowhere to boost or comfort us in a moment of need. Sometimes, though, the person with whom you share space and conversation, turns out to be less of a comfort and just plain fascinating. Today, I reminisce about one of those magical, chance encounters.

As she buckled into the bulkhead seat beside me, the attractive, middle-aged woman offered a shy smile. 

“Hi. I’m Chris,” she whispered.

My husband Steve, and I, and a couple with whom we frequently traveled, had just boarded our third flight in twenty-four hours. I’m not sure why he was seated across the aisle from me instead of in the adjacent seat, but I would soon marvel at my good fortune. 

I returned the woman’s friendly smile and introduced myself. 

“We’re from the US,” I said, and then I explained about the tours we had planned to visit game parks and wineries. “South Africa is the trip of a lifetime. What about you?” 

Chris reached into her handbag and stuffed her shoulder-length blonde hair into a ball cap. 

“Sorry, I’m a bit of a wreck from flying.” Nodding at me, she went on. “It’s been years since I’ve left the UK. I’m meeting up with friends I haven’t seen for a while. Years actually.”

For the next two hours, Chris and I spoke about our homelands, travels, hobbies, and interests. When I gabbed about tennis and philanthropy, Chris gushed about her love of music and that she planned to get back into it. 

Perhaps it was my travel fatigue or just plain naivete, but I chose not to probe. I figured she would elaborate on her music if so inclined. Instead, the two of us chatted non-stop like women are known to do. We talked about our families, men, marriage, what middle age felt like, and the wisdom we had derived from life’s experiences. 

When we deplaned in Cape Town, Chris patted my arm, and another winsome smile lit up her face. “This was great fun, Julie. I hope you enjoy your holiday.”

As we waited for our luggage, Steve quizzed me. “Who was the lady seated next to you on the plane? You two were gossiping like old friends.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Just a woman named Chris from the UK who’s an anxious flyer.”

But my seatmate Chris wasn’t just an interesting nobody from a different country. 

The following day after a good night’s sleep and room service coffee, my husband turned on the TV. Flipping through channels, he landed on a news show. As the camera zoomed in on the interviewer and his guest, he waved me over.

“Jules, isn’t that the lady who sat next to you on the flight?”

I took a step closer, examining the woman. “Yeah. I think it is,” and then a subtitle flew across the bottom of the screen: Christine McVie plans to reunite with her old band Fleetwood Mac for world tour.

  “What the…” I mumbled.

Steve looked at me incredulously. “You were talking to Chris McVie for two hours and it never came up she was a member of Fleetwood Mac?”

I shook my head. “Yes, we talked about music, and her desire to get back into it. She didn’t elaborate. And I didn’t feel I should press.”

“Amazing. You were seatmates with Christine McVie.” He paused, thinking out loud. “Maybe that’s why you two got along so well. She felt like she could just be herself with you.”

And so, I leave you dear reader with this to ponder: What would you have done? Would you have probed or respected your seatmate’s privacy? 

In looking back on this episode, I offer a few reflections. Famous people have the same insecurities and dreams as those of us who do not claim celebrity status. I don’t envy public figures for suffering through the scrutiny that that lifestyle brings. Chris McVie was a woman like me, middle-aged, realistic, hopeful, and with unfulfilled goals and dreams. She didn’t view her life as half-over, but rather she was eager to accomplish something on her bucket list. Lucky me, for I had the chance to share a few hours of lovely conversation with her before she rocketed back into the spotlight. 

What about you? What incredible conversations have you enjoyed with seatmates on planes or bus trips? Please share at julie@juliemcgueauthor.com.

Follow Me Here

On April 16th Julie will speak with Gurds Hundal, host of the UK based podcast, Inner Light Project. This podcast poses the question: Are you ready to trust yourself?

On April 18th, Julie will guest on the Trauma Survivorhood Podcast; their mission is to share stories about people who have overcome traumatic events and who are willing share the inspiration they draw from them.

On May 4th, Julie will talk about trauma, grief, and healing with Dr.Torie Williams on the Be VicTorieus podcast. 

On May 15th, the Book Club at Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City, Indiana will host Julie’s discussion of her memoir, Twice a Daughter. Jennifer, Julie’s twin sister and major character in her memoir, will share the stage for an unforgettable discussion.

On May 18th,  Adoption:The Making of Me Podcast will have Julie on their show to talk about how adoption affected her life journey and the impact of writing about it.

On May 20th, Julie will speak to the Women’s Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), Hinsdale chapter, at Hinsdale Methodist Church about her journey as an adoptee and writer. 

To listen to other podcasts where Julie shares about her books, adoption story, and perspectives on all things related to identity, family, and belonging, go here (the media tab on her website).

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