Every once in a while you meet someone with a heart of gold who turns out to be your hero of the day. This story is about such a person.
I was working a flight, returning from Northern Michigan. Our second stop- and last one before landing in Detroit was Traverse City. A woman and her small son came onboard. They had isle seats right across from each other.
After everyone boarded I noted that the aircraft was now full. Not one seat was left available. As I walked down the isle I saw the little boy sobbing quietly, with his mother trying to comfort him. I asked him what was wrong.
His mother said he was so excited to be on the airplane, but was broken hearted that he couldn't see out the window. I made a split decision.
I said "Who wants to be my hero for today? We have a heart broken little boy that wants to sit by a window and see out on his first flight. Would someone give up their window seat for him?
The man sitting next to the mother, at the window seat raised his hand.
He said he knew exactly how the boy felt. His first flight was the highlight of his childhood!
It took 2 pillows on the seat to let the little boy see out the window. His mother and I thanked the man profusely! I offered him a free cocktail, which he refused.
After take-off the gentleman stood by the mothers seat and talked to the little boy about the clouds and what we were going over. He pointed out lakes and rivers, calling them by name.
I shared the story with the pilots. The Captain was Captain Marv Blakesley.
I gave the boy a set of wings and a "First time flyer" signed by Captain Blakesley.
To add to the excitement the Captain made a "Welcome" announcement for the boy- saying how glad he was to have him onboard. He also invited the boy and the man who gave up his seat to come to the cockpit before deplaning.
Once we landed, the other passengers deplaned. The little boy, the mother, and the Hero gentleman went to the cockpit. Captain Blakesley had the little boy sit in the Captain's seat and the Hero Gentleman sit in the First Officer's seat while his mother took a picture. There were also pictures of the little boy with the crew.
The lad was rosy cheeked with excitement. When he got to the bottom of the stairs he turned and waved, shouting "Thank You!"
To some seasoned travelers, a window seat and a handshake from the Captain may be a small thing, but for that little boy I believe it was a dream come true.
In my mind we had two heroes that day. The wonderful gentleman who gave up his seat and made the flight so special, and Captain Marv Blakesley who took the time to thrill a little boy by giving a few minutes of special attention!
Until next time, Dear Readers.
Life Is Indeed An Adventure, And A Wonderful Part Of The Adventure Is Having A Hero Or Two Grace Your Path!
6 comments:
I was a strong believer in good PR. Was so glad NCA gave us those wings to hand out to the kids!! Marv was Detroit based as was I for 20 years. And years later the Airplane Cards.
That’s just another reason I was so proud to be part of the North Central Family . God bless and Rest In Peace, “Herman” who I referred to as “Zippy Duck”.
Dear Unknown Reader- Thank you for your comment! NorthCentral did a lot in the way of PR, Allowing those of us Crew members to be very one on one with the passengers! Marv Blakesley was one of those pilots who had a heart for the passengers- as did many of our pilots! May he rest in Peace!
Dear Ocalakid- Thank you for your comment! I too am proud to have been part of the NorthCentral family! We at the Detroit base were like an extended family, to me anyway! I had no family in the area, so the fellow crews became family! And the connections I made with the passengers were wonderful!
Another great glimpse into Flight Nun adventures!
Loved it!
Dear Wilhelmina- Thank you for your comment! Glad to have you joining me as I meander down memory lane!
Post a Comment