Let it Rain

Rain falls somewhere in the Republic of Ireland almost every day, without fail. Television weather presenters include "spotty showers" in their daily predictions, with little umbrella symbols dotting the country.

One place where no one sees the rain is the Departures Terminal at Shannon Airport.

The Departures Terminal has no windows.

A bustling world all to itself is this microcosm of Irish life. Lilting Celtic music fills the air and all that's missing on a rainy day is the traditional brown bread and a hot bowl of delicious Irish soup you'd find in a warm pub, sitting by the hearth. Guinness, they've got plenty on tap and always a welcome smile for weary travelers of all nationalities.

This sheltered little European airport is a hub full of tourists and uniformed American soldiers, flown daily to and from the war on terror. Servicemen and women stop in their journeys for a welcome respite in this windowless enclave. They swarm the Duty Free Shop, looking at pictures of the Irish countryside they only see from plane windows, if at all.

Jaunty music and lively people cannot fail to bring smiles to the soldiers' faces and smiles to those of us who are traveling for varied reasons. One December afternoon, the scene even managed to cheer up a middle-aged American tourist, mourning the loss of her beloved mother.

That tourist was me.

People give of their time, interest and even spare Euros as freely given gifts to the soldiers. There are lively conversations of home, Kentucky and Tennessee and Pennsylvania, to name a few, with nary a mention of the war. One wonders what these soldiers must be thinking - the hopes and fears of so many young people contained within the concrete walls.

Embraced by Irish kindness and really the kindness of strangers, they continue on their travels into the unknown destiny that awaits. Wished more than well, many vow to return to Ireland to "really see the country..." in more peaceful world times.

Oblivious to the weather outside, the Irish greeting and farewell is something you never forget. Despite almost daily rains and even deluges, the comfort of a warm Irish welcome is a memory for the ages that lives in your heart forever. You cannot hear a tin whistle without reliving the warmth that envelopes your very soul.

Let it rain and let it pour.

The rain never touches the hearts of those lucky enough to visit Shannon Airport, whether soldier or middle-aged woman in December or any time of year.

It's a bit of welcome you'll hold in your heart forever as a gift to be treasured on many a rainy day.

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Word Count - 439 Words