On my flight from San Diego

On my flight from San Diego to Nashville yesterday, sitting in the row next to me was a 96-year-old woman who hadn’t flown in 15 years. For her birthday she wanted to go to Kansas City to see her family but she was scared of flying.

She asked for this man’s hand during takeoff and then hugged him again when experiencing turbulence. This gentleman I should say did something that……restored my faith in humanity. Without hesitation, he held her hand and reassured her with a calm, soothing voice throughout the entire flight. He talked her through every bump and sound, explaining what was happening to ease her fears.

When the plane hit turbulence, she gripped his hand tighter, and instead of pulling away or showing discomfort, he gave her a warm, comforting smile. He even joked with her a little, trying to lighten the mood, saying, ‘Just think of it as a bumpy car ride in the sky.’

By the time we landed, the two of them were like old friends. He walked with her off the plane, helped her with her luggage, and even stayed with her until her family arrived. It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it was one filled with kindness, patience, and compassion. Watching this act of pure humanity was a reminder that, sometimes, the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.”