Stories of Kindness from Around the World

My Airport Angel


--by shirley.swope, posted Oct 2, 2012

I might have titled this story, "I was an airport angel - and wasn't all that happy about it!"  

I was going on vacation to meet up with family for a week of fun in Canada. I got to the airport in Denver ready to leave my work behind for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job of helping families with children who experience disabilities navigate the special education system in our state, but this was my vacation!
 
I was comfortably awaiting my flight with a good book to read, when an elderly lady was wheeled to our waiting area. I couldn't help but notice the trouble she was having trying to open a packet of nuts with her arthritic hands. I sighed. No one else was willing to meet her gaze so I offered to help.  
 
She was very grateful. It turned out these nuts were her entire breakfast. We sat and chatted. When the time came to board the plane the attendants were nowhere to be seen. The lady could walk but needed some assistance, so I volunteered to help her on the plane and carry her bag.
 
As I helped her get settled I noticed her "seat mate," a businessman, looked a bit horrified that at having to make the fight with her. He offered to change seats with me - and I agreed.  
 
We had a long chat (no reading for me!) As we were entering another country we needed to fill out forms. I offered to fill her's out because of her arthritic hands.
 
We landed and I needed to change planes, but I help her disembark first. The wheelchair she ordered was nowhere to be seen so we slowly walked to customs where her daughter was waiting.
 
We only exchanged first names, and she was so grateful to have my assistance. I had to run to catch my connection but, as I thought about the experience, I saw her as my airport angel; a chance for me to hope that in the future when I'm in my 80's and traveling, someone will take the time to connect with me. Pay it forward.

 

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Readers Comments

starryskies wrote: Thanks for being an earth angel! :)
moral12 wrote: Shirley, you are absolutely right! This was YOUR chance to be her angel here on earth; bless you many times for helping this lady when others looked away. Kudos to you. Thank you for sharing.
denisemj wrote: That was sweet of you. Thanks for sharing :)
cf wrote: Thank you for letting go of your plans and being open to the need of the moment.
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Good for you for "being there" for her. Your kindness is wonderful! :)
stars24 wrote: What a beautiful story of love! Thank you for reaching out to her and for telling us about your experience. It makes you want to do the same. Thank you!

It brings to mind the scripture quote: hebrews 13:2 "always remember to help people and welcome them, for some have entertained angels without knowing it. " god bless you!
Claudia wrote: Every act of kindness builds on itself. Thank you.
sandra wrote: Your kindness will be repaid you, the lord was watching.

Joyce Holzem wrote: What a great person you are& i wish i had you on a flight i'll be taking soon cause i'm claustrophobic& i think you'd get my mind off of it if i sat by you. You are very kind!
Kathleen wrote: Bless you for caring!

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