I can pinpoint precise travel times not because I was a frequent flyer as a kid—after all, I’m one of three siblings, and the expense of flying us all was just too high—but because I spent a lot of time shuttling back and forth to the airport. Why, you ask? My mom was that person everyone in her circle relied on for airport rides.
Seriously, her reputation for this is well-known! It’s not like her friends can’t afford taxis—most of them could easily pay for parking at the airport. But for Mom, the notion of anyone taking a cab to or from the airport was simply unacceptable. No questions asked, that was just her rule.
She grew up in a time when flying was an elegant affair; people donned stylish outfits rather than the comfy sweatpants we often see today. For her, staying home while a friend embarked on a trip was out of the question. Even worse would be the thought of someone she cared about arriving home to an empty terminal. The very idea of it was horrendous!
Living in a bustling city, I’ve never owned a car. As a single mom juggling a full-time job, I don’t have the luxury of spontaneous drives with friends. However, I’ve absorbed invaluable lessons from my mother’s airport adventures. I’m the one who lingers after a gathering to help clean up, or brings a bunch of fresh fruits for a salad—peeling and slicing them right in your kitchen, even if you don’t own a peeler (seriously, why not?). I’ll gladly write a glowing recommendation for your child’s dream school or even drop off clean underwear at your hospital bedside. Honestly, there should be an app for delivering clean underwear to hospitals; Victoria’s Secret or Hanes would make a fortune!
The crux of it is this: it doesn’t always have to be a ride to the airport. Whenever we can lend a hand to someone else, we should—within reason, of course. Not only does it benefit others, but it also nourishes our own spirits. My mom grasped this concept deeply: by picking up a friend from the airport, you’re also giving yourself a gift—the assurance that love and connection exist, and that someone will be there with a warm smile when you return from your own journey.
This article was originally published on May 9, 2023.
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Summary:
This piece reflects on the life lessons learned from a mother’s unwavering commitment to driving friends to the airport, emphasizing the importance of being there for others and fostering connections. The author shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how these teachings influence her own actions today.