Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Two weeks ago, on a Sunday, as I flew home from Georgia, I noticed a young girl in the row (18E) across from me. She was a bit younger than my own daughter, maybe 15 or 16 years of age. Her demeanor was very purposefully seeking, it was from her eyes that there was a tremendous outpouring of connection.

Those beautiful blue eyes, the "window to her soul" was what my instincts vibrated with. Seated next to her on either sides were two much older adults, a woman and a man. The girl followed me to the airline bathroom. She motioned to go into the lavatory ahead of me, which I allowed, as it was instinctual. She was quick to exit, and she said, "please use this one." rather than the second lavatory that was also unoccupied.

As I entered, I noticed a small note on a paper towel, written with what appeared to be fecal matter. It said "Help Me". I first started to hyperventilate, then began to shake violently in the small lavatory stall. My mind began to race, and I was momentarily uncertain about what I could do to "help".

It occurred to me that perhaps I could alert the flight attendant who was just outside the rear lavatory door. I folded the paper towel, and I exited. I lingered in the rear of our plane, and waited for a private moment to speak with the male flight attendant, Manny.

When I showed Manny the note from the girl, he told me "I know just what to do." He took my hand, told me in a very calm, soothing manner to return to my seat and try to assure the girl by smiling at her only not at either of her seat mates. Manny then asked for the girls' seat assignment, which I gave him. I summoned a fierce courage and I responded as asked.

I looked for an opportune time, and I smiled wide at the girl. She smiled back, only with glistening eyes, not with her lips. I sat down, and began to silently pray blessings on the girl, on Manny and on the rest of the flight being uneventful.

When we landed in Las Vegas, there were uniformed police to meet our flight. They questioned the girl, and the two adults.

Blessed was the female airline security personnel who was also on the flight, and who had engaged in a texting conversation with the onboard airline personnel. She stepped forward to reassure the girl that there would be safe shelter for her in Clark County, Nevada.

It is at this time, in a moment of clarity that I can share this without shuddering. By listening to my instincts, alerting those who could alter the course of darkness, turning bravely to the light......... one more young victim is now safe from harm.

Some days your best advice comes from listening to your own instincts. May it always be so,