Anyone who has been on an airplane recently knows that flights are generally packed. Every row, every seat. When you find an empty seat next to you, there’s a genuine sigh of relief and gratitude. You know you can stretch out and take up a little more space. Maybe even open your laptop and work on a document without having to tuck your elbows so close to your body your hands resemble squirrel paws holding a nut. When you have the extra space you arrive at your destination a little more rested, relaxed and energized.
So imagine my surprise and joy when boarding a normally very full, early morning flight I find I have an entire row to myself. So too, do the other travelers. It was looking like a great start to a busy travel day for all of us. Not only was there room to stretch out, but the short flight over the Sierras was smooth and the view of the snow-capped mountains breathtaking.
After we landed and were taxying to the gate, I started the routine of packing up my computer and getting ready to exit the plane. Having the room to spread out meant I needed an extra few minutes to gather all my belongings. I was more than ready to get off the plane and get my day started. I was not thrilled as I contemplated the arduous task of joining the rush hour traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area. Travelling in a large city has its challenges, but I was going to meet and work with a respected colleague and friend, so it was well worth the effort and my excitement was building.
As I stood to gather my gear, a young man moved quickly forward from the back of the plane to assist a woman two rows in front of me retrieve her luggage from the overhead compartment.
From where I stood, she didn’t look like she needed any help. In fact, she looked like she had retrieved overhead luggage many times before. Obviously, he thought differently.
His actions brought a smile of thanks from her and of acknowledgment from us other travelers. I took my place behind him and we headed to the front of the plane. There wasn’t much wait time as we exited, but I happened to notice the uniqueness of the fabric and stitching on the young man’s jacket.
Then, just as she stepped off the plane and onto the jet bridge, the same woman dropped the handle of her pull along case and some of her hand carried items fell as well. Again, the young man quickly reached out to help her and we were off again. All of us going our separate ways. What a nice guy!
For me, his actions were like a double gift, one to me and one to the lady who had trouble with her luggage. He reminded me of another man I know and respect who is one of the first to offer assistance to others. I left the airport with a keener awareness of those around me and his example influenced my interactions throughout the day. Even though it was a tough day with hard conversations and tears of disappointment and sadness shed, even as glimmers of hope and possibilities started showing through, I kept the thought of that young man’s kindness with me.
By the time I reached the airport for my return flight home that night, I was tired mentally, emotionally and physically. I spent the time in the air writing down some of my thoughts and looking forward to getting home to family and pets. As we stood, we were leaving the plane, my mind was drifting to thoughts of home.
I suddenly noticed the color and texture of the jacket worn by the young man in front of me just this morning! Same unique fabric. Same interesting stitching. Same guy?
I had to let him get a little further in front of me so I could see his gait, study his movements. Yep, the same guy whose act of kindness (twice) had made an impression on me so early in the day and had actually buoyed me throughout. I wanted to thank him, but… what to say?
So, risking sounding foolish or even mistaking him for the wrong guy, I just dove in:
“Excuse me, were you on the 6 a.m. flight this morning?”
“Yes.”
“I thought I recognized your jacket. You were the guy who helped the lady in front of me twice with her luggage, right?” I could tell he didn’t actually remember doing it until I described it to him.
“I wanted to thank you and tell you the difference it made throughout my day. It was a tough day on a number of fronts, but you helping her also helped me – just from watching.”
Then he said, “Thanks for telling me that. You have no idea how much hearing that from you means. I’ve had a really hard day myself and what you said, knowing the difference I made for you, helps.”
We walked and talked until our paths diverged. I learned he’d only been living in our community for four months. He wasn’t feeling connected yet but liked the people. I welcomed him. Finally, before parting, we introduced ourselves. Backward as it seems, introducing ourselves last, we both felt a natural sense of friendship.
If you are in search of something, like the connections Charles wanted, then base your thoughts and actions around that intention, that purpose. No matter what kind of day you have, no matter how uncomfortable it feels, put yourself out there. We all need to step outside our comfort zones once in a while, if for no other reason than to give something back.
So, here’s to you Charles and your instinctive acts of kindness. Here’s to the lightness you brought to me from one simple act that lasted an entire day.
May we all find something each day that inspires us. May we recognize the gifts in front of us and share kindness. We just never know what kind of positive impact our actions can have others with a simple act.
If you are looking for other sources of inspiration, you might find some on our Books and Resources page or read blogs on gratitude. We wish you only the best in 2018!
