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

Thaata wrote: Kindness acts are not to be viewed as rewarding acts. They are truly pay forward. No expectations from our actions. Our kindness and love is towards all but especially towards needy-gods people.
Veronica wrote: What a wonderful set of gestures you gave to that woman. Thank you for being so kind!
jsmc10 wrote: Thank you for being company for her :)
Blessed2BKind wrote: Blessings to you :) thanks for helping her out.
Cyndi wrote: What i love about your story is the glimpse of humanity, how when we take the time to really see other people and be with them we are rewarded with the power of human connection even if it is fleeting.
Vinya wrote: Dear shirley,


I am a special educator myself and was touched by your post. I was touched by an act of kindness not too long ago:
Http://specialeducationcommunities. Com/2012/05/16/first-step/


I somehow feel that your beautiful act was paid forward to me or should i say backward in time :)


Thank you for doing the work that you do and thank you for helping the grandmother.


Sending you love and smiles :)
bilkis wrote: It is wonderful to see how u empathised, god loves those who love his human beings, u will definitely be rewarded for your kind deed
bilkis wrote: It is wonderful to see how u empathised, god loves those who love his human beings, u will definitely be rewarded for your kind deed
Rita wrote: Actually, i have been that angel, and can say firsthand how meaningful it is for someone to help me at airports (and a lot of places. ) i do not look old or disabled, though both, so it is more difficult for others to see that i need help, but if i make the slightest indication of stress, there always seems to be someone there to say: can i help you? You and they are the angels. And for that woman, and all of us in same position, i thank you.
akinola oyedeji wrote: Thats heartfelt service u rendered,in directly u paid 10% out of 24hrs in a day your tithes to god by service. 10q

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