MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- A GIFT OF WISDOM!

 I wrote about this passenger several years ago. Throughout my 39 years of flying there have been passengers who have made a lasting, perhaps even profound impression. This wonderful lady was one of those! Let me start at the beginning. I will say that some of the fondest memories I've acquired over my years of flying were of the fascinating people I met- people from all cultures and walks of life.  

On a crisp Autumn evening I boarded my Convair 580 turbo prop heading to Sault Saint Marie, Michigan with a few stops along the way. On this particular evening we had few passengers, barely a dozen. Lastly, two agents came out with a passenger in a wheel chair. Because we had stairs instead of a jet way they needed to transfer the passenger onto what was called a "straight back"- a chair the agents could carry up the stairs and into the cabin.  However, this passenger refused. 

 I went down the stairs to carry her bag and give assistance. This woman was a tiny bird of an elderly person, but as she grasped my arm I realized she had a great deal of strength and determination!

 She was an American Indian. I wish I could remember what tribe she was from. She had just come from somewhere in Colorado- heading to Sault Saint Marie to be with her family.

 After take-off I made sure she had blankets, a pillow, what ever was needed for her comfort.  She gave me the kindest smile and a pat on the hand as a "Thank You".  After my service, which didn't take long since we had so few passengers, I sat down next to the woman to chat for a bit.  I found out some fascinating, yet heart rending history, first hand. This flight was in the mid 1970's- but her story carried me back to the late 1890's! 

She said she was 87 years old, and was going "home" to die. Her son and daughter lived in northern Michigan, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had been away for 30 years and rarely got the chance to see her family. After her children were grown her husband got a good job in Colorado, so they went there. Her husband passed away a year ago, she said- so now she was going "home". 

She said she was excited not only to see her family, but to celebrate her people having land and their own government. She talked about her people being free to be who they are. To not fight, but to be themselves within, and along side the government of the United States. 

She told me that she had a brother, 2 years older than herself.  When she was 6 and he was 8 they were taken way from their parents to be put in the Mount Peasant Indian Boarding School. Their parents didn't want them to go, but the children were taken anyway. Once there, confusion and fear set in.  She spoke no English, though her brother understood some of it.  As they were given instructions (in English), her brother tried to translate to her in their language.  He was harshly disciplined for it.  I'm not sure what form the discipline took, but she said she began to weep, with no one to comfort her or her brother. Both she and her brother thought they would never see their parents again! 

They decided to not eat! They refused all attempts to be fed. The woman told me she had no idea how long they did this, but remembers laying in her bed, too weak to rise.  All at once she saw her Mother's face! At first she thought she had passed into the spirit world.  But No! Her Mother and Father were actually there!  She had no idea how her folks found out how ill they both were.  Her Mother only said "Her spirit told her to go to her children!"  The authorities allowed them to be taken out of that place because they thought the children were dying.

She said it took a long time to go back home.  They traveled only a little bit each day because she and her brother was so weak. Once home and fully recovered their Father took them fishing and hunting.  Her parents taught them the "Seven Grandfather" lessons- lessons that helped her live a long life.  

I grabbed a pen and paper- so I could write down what she told me. And this, Dear Reader, I'll never forget:

(1) Wisdom: Use good sense.

(2) Love: Practice absolute kindness.

(3) Respect: Act without harm

(4) Bravery: Use courage to chose.

(5) Truth: Be faithful to reality.

(6) Humility: Treat all life equally
(7) Honesty: Tell the truth 

I wish I had a picture of this woman! Beautiful thick salt and pepper hair, glistening dark eyes, and a kindness in her face I can only describe as angelic. 

When we landed in Sault Saint Marie the other passengers deplaned first.  I asked this lovely little lady if she needed a wheel chair.  She said she needed to walk to her son and daughter on her two feet! I helped her maneuver the stairs and offered my arm for the walk into the terminal.  She didn't take it. With every step she seemed to walk a bit stronger, a bit straighter. 

I expected to see 3 or 4 people there to greet her. When we stepped into the terminal she let out a cry of joy!  There stood about 20-30 people, all greeting and hugging her!  The children shyly watching, smiling and looking excited at the same time- what joy it was to watch!  As I looked on with "weepy" eyes, I realized this woman must have lived the "Seven Grandfather Lessons"- she was adored! 

Looking at those "Seven Grandfather Lessons" I can't help but believe we could all benefit by learning them! I know I have!  I know by now this wonderful elderly lady is in the spirit world.  But meeting her was a privilege- and now part of my wonderful career memories!

It's a memory I'm so grateful for!

Until Next Time, Dear Reader!

Remember That Life Is Indeed An Adventure!  And One Never Knows What Sweet Stranger Will Come Along To Give A Lesson That Has A Profound Effect On Your Life!