A couple of years ago, I was flying out west. It was an early morning flight and like most flights from Vermont, I had to switch in New York. The flight from New York was delayed however. When we boarded, people were anxious about making their next flights. I had a two-hour window between my connections at Denver and I hoped I could make that in time since our flight was leaving an hour and fifteen minutes late.
I had stayed up pretty late the previous night, getting things done at home so I could leave on my trip with peace of mind. I was tired. The flight was full. Like most airlines today, the seats feel cramped. I am not the tallest person as I am only five foot six inches in height, but my legs were quite close to the seat in front of me. Between the screaming baby behind our row and the turbulence the plane was experiencing, I found it hard to close my eyes and rest. I just prayed for a bit that we would arrive safely.
When I boarded, I noticed a few people in the rows behind me. There was a young couple in college who were clearly smitten with each other and I thought they looked really cute in their own little world. There was a young mom with a stroller and the baby that started screaming the instant the plane took off and only paused for a few minutes to breathe and continued yelling the entire 3-hour flight. There was an older gentleman with a lot of papers, a family and a young man. The young man was quite tall and athletic. He had long, wavy blond hair, a nice tan and seemed very relaxed. He carried the smallest little bag that he stashed under his seat. I remember thinking, That's the way to pack!
I had my roll-in carry on and a computer bag, which were not very big but on the crowded flight, felt like a lot. I stashed it away and the young mom smiled at me. The young man nodded at me and smiled.
I sat down in my seat and tried to take a nap but that did not work. I drank some coffee in the snack round in the last hour to keep myself awake. When we finally arrived and started to get off the plane, I did my best to get off the plane as fast as I could.
I rushed over to the display with all the connecting flights. The young athletic man came and stood beside me, his little bag hanging at his waist from a long strap crossing over his torso and checked for his flight. He was very tall, easily over six feet. There was something comforting about his presence.
"Oh," I said, feeling my hopes all sag as I realized that my connecting flight was at the other end of the terminal. How would I make it?
"What's your flight?" the guy asked me. I pointed it out.
I could not think clearly. I was groggy and tired. I realized that my flight was far away from me and that I might get stuck at this airport. I had no alternative planned and I dreaded having to ask someone for help. I reached for my phone and saw that the battery was almost dead.
The guy looked at me thoughtfully and then said, "I've been here many times. I know this airport well."
"I...I'm going miss my flight," I mumbled. I could not even speak. My face must have shown my shock and distress.
The young man sprung into action, stepping beside me, taking my carry-on into his right hand and wheeling it, while grabbing my right hand. He rushed me through the airport, heading left.
It was a blur. I don't remember where we went but I followed him blindly. He was very clear and resolute. We rushed.
We ran the last bit of the way right to the terminal entry and he delivered me to the stewardess at the gate, giving me a kiss on the cheek. It was last call and all the passengers had boarded. The woman looked very surprised to see us but checked me in. As I walked through, I turned back and he smiled at me and waved gently. He waited till I boarded and then left.
When I got into my seat, I saw that the whole plane was fully boarded. People looked surprised to see me. The stewardess stopped by my seat a few minutes later and said, "Your boyfriend was so amazing! I am glad you joined us safely."
"He's..." I said and stopped, realizing I did not even know his name.
She smiled widely at me and nodded, then turned to another passenger.
It has been a few years and I have forgotten exactly his face as I was so groggy that morning. But that wonderful person, whoever he was, showed me such an unexpected kindness that day and helped me get on with my day and prevented a mishap and stress.
For me, it is lovely unexpected moments like these - the kindness from a random stranger - that make me feel like I live in a good world. People that you have never met or are yet to meet, exist like this. It is a wonderful thing and affirming.