Genuine human connection… I knew something was wrong the moment she crumpled into the plastic airport lounge chair across from me. Her eyes were red and swollen. A crumpled tissue trembled in her hand. But the real giveaway was the crisply folded American flag in a clear plastic case that rested on her lap like a sacred relic. Every now and then, she’d hug it like it was alive. Without knowing the full story, I could feel it: deep, aching grief. I told myself to give her space. Let her be. Don’t interfere. But then, she ended a phone call …