My first flights with an infant and a toddler started out in total chaos. The moment we boarded, my 4-month-old began screaming his little lungs out. A series of unexpected delays meant I hadn’t been able to nurse him before we got on the plane. Meanwhile, my 3-year-old, who had been so excited to fly, suddenly panicked and started yelling, “I want to get off! I don’t want to go!” For a moment, I was sure we were about to be asked to leave.
There I was, holding a crying baby and a kicking toddler, completely overwhelmed, when a man sitting nearby quietly reached out and offered to hold the baby. He gently took my son in his arms while I tried to get my daughter buckled, set up her tablet, and start her movie. Once she calmed down, he kept her entertained so I could finally feed my little one.
By the time the plane began to move, the chaos had turned into calm. During the flight, he colored with my daughter, watched her movie, pointed out the clouds and wings outside the window, and chatted with her like they’d known each other forever. She even kissed his shoulder at one point, completely smitten with her new best friend.
When we landed in Charlotte, I learned that he had the same connection to Wilmington. He helped us off the plane, guided us to the next gate with my daughter holding his hand, and even switched his seat on the next flight so he could sit with us again.
His name was Todd. He told me his wife once had a similar experience when their two boys were small and a kind stranger helped her the same way.
I will never forget his kindness. Out of all the people we could have been seated next to, we ended up beside one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. Sometimes, the world reminds you that there are still truly good people out there.