A Letter

Dear Woman in Front of Me in The ATL Security Line,

You know, as I’ve been here visiting my wonderful sister and her fabulous family, I’ve been struck by how lovely all of the people here in Atlanta are. So warm, so friendly, great customer service everywhere I’ve gone.

You must be from somewhere else.

When you turned around and yelled at me in the security line about how my sniffles were making you sick, I was pretty surprised. I’ve never had a total stranger just yell at me standing in line like that. Although I thought I saw you turning to glare at me a few times before that, I hadn’t made eye contact because I was sure I was mistaken; why would someone glare at a total stranger in line who was just minding her own business?

For the record, I’m just a month into recovery from my tonsillectomy. My soft tissues in my throat and mouth are still recovering. They aren’t done changing shape and size, so I do still struggle with my nose and mouth functions. Also, I’m suffering from terrible allergies or a cold; I’ve been seen by a physician and have had to battle through two weeks of miserable finals feeling entirely ill. On top of it all, I just had to say goodbye to my dear family to head back home. I don’t know if you know what it is to have loved ones, but I miss my wonderful family, and it breaks my heart to not live near my adorable nephews as they grow up. So forgive me if I’m a bit misty on top of it all.

I am not your daughter. I am not your employee. I am not your student. It’s completely inappropriate for you to yell at me. 

I’m glad we’re not on the same flight, because I will continue to cough and be sniffly all the way to New York. Do I want to be? Of course not. Why would I do this if I didn’t have to?

I hope you sit next to a baby on the plane. A baby with a cold. Who cries the whole way. And then barfs on you halfway to your destination.

Actually, I couldn’t wish that on the baby, the poor baby’s mother, or those poor flight attendants who would have to deal with your rudeness. Maybe you should just fly alone. And drive alone. And not go into public until you can learn appropriate societal behaviors.

Best,

Bacon