Saturday, December 20, 2014

A Gesture of Kindness

Holidays can suck big time at the airport.  Socked-in airfields, delayed flights and lots of pushing.

As I ran to catch my connecting flight to Minneapolis from San Francisco, I began to lose breath.  The excitement of the Holidays had mounted and I wanted to do everything in my power to get to my connecting flight before its departure…I was 45 minutes behind schedule…didn’t want to make a mistake and so I ran down the corridor toward gate 72 with my luggage, computer bag and purse. 

As I rounded the corner and arrived at the gate, I was greeted by the most handsome of men. Oh yeah!  There were passengers all around and I had a beautiful man ready, able and absolutely willing to share the great news that our flight had not yet departed.  Catching my breath, I thought this was the greatest of tidings.  My friendly greeter realized I was out of breath and offered me a bottle of water.  I graciously accepted and began to guzzle the refreshment, albeit as delicately as possible.

We were enjoying small talk when I began choking due to the challenge of drinking and talking at the same time.  Ugh, I thought, in front of this most handsome and classy guy, I’m dying before his eyes.  A polite “excuse me” to use the bathrooms and off I went with tears running down my face and the inability to speak because of my situation. 

Upon my return he smiled and told me it was okay – to breath and relax and that all is well.  Calmed and refreshed, I boarded the plane ahead of him.  Instantly I felt relieved and somewhat calmed.  Our seats were a few rows apart…however, I felt connected and confident I would have no further choking (believe me when I say, I was coughing a good ten minutes).  We were going to make it to Minneapolis after all and I would live to see it.  Yay!

It’s so nice to have the Holiday Spirit in our hearts as we make our journeys to reconnect with loved ones over dinners fantastic, memories revisited and stories of promise.  As I look forward each year to this holiday season, I am reminded of the small gestures of kindness that can be so easily given and so gratefully received.


With joy in my heart, and a clear throat, I leap into the next year!  Thanks Mohamed for the refreshing water, peaceful state of being and your kind, beautiful face in the crowd.  In the Spirit of Giving I shall remember your gesture to help a traveler in need, and Merry Christmas!

No comments: