In the midst of a particularly challenging time for my family, I encountered extraordinary generosity from a stranger and the unexpected compassion of an airline.
Just before Thanksgiving, my mother suffered a stroke, and we were uncertain about the severity of her condition. Living in Michigan while my parents resided in Florida, I spent hours on the phone with the nurses. On Friday morning, I received the devastating news that my mother might not awaken. I knew I had to be with her and my father as soon as possible. Within thirty minutes of that call, I packed my 3-month-old daughter, Mia, and rushed to the airport, hopeful to catch an 11:09 a.m. American Airlines flight to Orlando, with a layover in Chicago. I secured my ticket and boarded the plane, holding baby Mia tightly.
However, the aircraft required “maintenance,” and we remained on the tarmac. During this time, I was in constant contact with my dad and husband, discussing my mother’s precarious health and my anxiety to reach them swiftly. After an excruciating hour, the flight attendant announced that the plane was grounded, and the flight was canceled. I broke down in tears, calling my husband, feeling defeated that I would likely miss my mom’s side.
As I hung up, a woman seated in front of me turned around. “My name is Sarah,” she said. “I’ve been listening to you, and I’ve been praying for your family. I won’t leave until you’re on a plane to Orlando.” Overwhelmed with emotion, I struggled to respond as other passengers exited, glancing back at me. Eventually, we were the last two on the plane when the attendant asked Sarah to step off, assuring me that the airline would assist.
Meanwhile, my husband discovered a direct Southwest Airlines flight leaving at 12:15. Other airlines had no available flights until much later. I explained my urgent need to the flight attendant. It was now 11:55 a.m., and she kindly walked me off the plane, where Sarah was waiting. “I’m not going anywhere until you’re on a flight,” she reaffirmed, taking my heavy bag so I could focus on Mia. We approached a ticket agent, and I expressed my urgent need for the Southwest flight. The agent, who had sold me my American Airlines ticket, regrettably informed us that they had no agreement with Southwest.
Determined, Sarah asked for directions to the Southwest gate, which was just a few gates away. The clock now read 12:00, and the agent warned us that we might be too late. Yet, Sarah and I dashed to the gate, her still carrying my backpack and me with Mia in my arms.
Arriving at the Southwest gate, we found it nearly empty except for a ticket agent named Jessica. I rushed to her, tears streaming down my face. She immediately offered to book me on the flight. As the American Airlines crew brought my checked items—stroller and car seat—Jessica informed me that the ticket cost $400. Without hesitating, Sarah stepped forward and said, “I’ll cover her ticket.” I protested, insisting I could pay myself, but she insisted it was her gift for the holidays. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I promised to pay it forward. “Just take care of your family,” she said, embracing me tightly. “I love you, and so does the Lord.”
Jessica guided me onto the plane—there were only a couple of seats left. If you were aboard that flight, you probably noticed me boarding late, tears in my eyes, cradling Mia, a mixture of despair and relief evident on my face.
Upon landing in Orlando that afternoon, I found an email waiting from Jessica, the Southwest agent. She expressed her thoughts and prayers for my family and provided Sarah’s contact information, stating, “She came back to the gate to ensure you were on your way and retrieved all your baggage.” Jessica also mentioned that Southwest had given Sarah a voucher for a future flight. The email ended with a heartfelt “<3” from Southwest Airlines.
I managed to reach the ICU visiting room that evening at 6:15 p.m., just 15 minutes before visiting hours concluded.
I have since sent Sarah a message on social media, thanking her and including a photo of my dad holding Mia that night, a moment made possible by her kindness.
Now, I want to take a moment to publicly acknowledge these extraordinary acts of kindness. A heartfelt thank you to Sarah for her incredible generosity and to Southwest Airlines for their exceptional customer care, which meant so much more to me than I can express. When booking tickets for my siblings to Florida, I made sure to choose Southwest Airlines.
Though my mother passed away on December 3, 2015, she was deeply loved and will always be missed.
In Conclusion
Kindness is a powerful force that can change lives in unexpected ways. Let us all strive to be that source of light for others in need. If you’re interested in more topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, check out this great resource on what to expect when you have your first IUI.