I started my flight career with a regional carrier called North Central Airlines. (Anyone remember the blue goose painted on the tail?) Then came a merger of three carriers; North Central Airlines, Southern, and Hughes Air West. We became Republic Airlines.
It was during the Republic Airlines years that I first over nighted (and came to love) Boston. The crews stayed at the Parker House Inn, an elegant historic hotel in the heart of downtown Boston. Back in those days, a crew flew the same trips together for a full month. I was fortunate to have wonderful crews on my Boston trips.
The Captain I use to fly with was one of those gracious, kind, soft spoken people who was a joy to work with. I so wish I could remember his name! On one overnight he asked the crew to join him as he visited a nursing home! There he greeted the elderly and sat for a moment to listen to their stories! How special was that!
On another Boston layover we passed a park going to dinner. There was an older man sitting on a bench. He had a large black bag with him. I deemed him to be homeless. This Captain stopped, sat for a moment, and spoke to the man. I didn't hear what was being said. On we went to dinner. After dinner the Captain had made a "to go" order- along with a coffee. Passing back through the park the Captain gave this elderly man the food items and coffee, shaking his hand and walking away. By now we wren't surprised at this Captain's kindness. He seemed to always find opportunities to do good!
One day the whole crew went to dinner at the north end area. It was this Captain's Birthday! We wanted to do something special for him! We all wrote little Birthday wishes to present to him as well as buying his meal! The Italian restaurant back then had singing waiters and fantastic food! The Captain was touched by our well wishes and thanked us all for our being "family away from home"!
After diner as we walked back toward our hotel, we past the commons and market place, where vendors were selling flowers. There were many people sitting or standing in the square.
Our Captain stopped and bought a single rose. He then turned and studied the crowd, and approached an elderly lady with a beautiful shock of gray hair. He said to her as he handed her the rose, "I bought this flower to give to the most beautiful woman in the square, and you are that woman!"
For a moment she put her hand over her mouth in surprise. Then, with glistening eyes and a beautiful radiant smile, she took the rose. The woman's happy pleasure, along with the other people's smiles in that crowded square, reminded me anew that one small act of kindness can have a profound effect on many.
That memory will forever stay with me, a moment to be remembered and savored. So- where ever that pilot is today, I say a heartfelt "Thank You, Well done!!"
This is one of my many favorite memories of a crew member who had a wonderful Heart!
Looking back I have to say that this is what I missed the most as the companies grew. We no longer flew with the same crews for a month- no longer had that "family feeling bond". I still have wonderful memories after the mergers- but from time to time longed for the comraderie of a bygone era.
Until next time, Dear readers!
Remember! Life Is Truly An Adventure!
And Wonderful People You Are Privileged To Work With Make The Adventure Richer Indeed!
2 comments:
Please post the CA name if you remember it as he certainly deserves a Shout Out! What an inspiration, please keep the stories coming!
Dear YNG-
I so wish I could remember his name! But I can't! This was when Republic first started flying, so was very long ago! You are correct- He was an inspiration to anyone who flew with him, or for that matter- came in contact with him! I would give a "Shout Out" if I could. I can only relay the wonderful deeds he did.
Marcy
aka The Flight Nun
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