11 September 2008

9/11 (A day at the airport)

PLEASE hang in through this post! Or just skip it and go to my story at the end of a soldier flying today and then click the video.
I couldn't let this day go by without expressing my gratitude for our millitary services. On this day seven years ago. Our lives changed drastically. I had lived in this protective bubble feeling all was well and safe and no one could touch us because we are America, home of the free. I know that my freedoms do not come without a price. Just as Jesus Christ has payed the ulitmate price for my eternal welfare there are many men and women and children who have paid the price with their lives for my freedom. Thank you! Thank you.

I have wanted to express gratitude to these great military men that travel through my gate all the time. I loved this video on how to show thanks, without saying a word.
Please click here. You won't be sorry!

I have a story of this amazing soldier that arrived to my gate today. The flight I was working was going to Huntsville. He arrived late to the gate with an elderly woman. He was in full uniform. He asked me about the Huntsville flight. The flight had already been boarded and closed. However, the doors to the aircraft were not. He was stalwart and tall and more importantly he was someone's son. Normally, we can not allow anyone to board an aircraft after departure time. Doors close 10 minutes prior to departure. The captain had already received the paper work. When the captain has the paper work passengers can not be added. I decided to run and beg for this soldier.
"Please let him on. He is in full military attire. "
The crew echoed "Yes, Yes, of course. Let him on".
I run back down to the gate and say, " come on, we can take you." I didn't realize he and this woman were flying out. "Oh well, the crew will just have to deal with two people, I thought."

He replies, "NO, I'm not traveling she is". Oh, OK. I assume it's his mother or grandmother.
I ask him, "Would you please walk her up the jet bridge?".
They are expecting you in uniform but maybe with you walking your grandmother up. It will smoothe things over?".
This is all done quickly within 2 minutes. After we get granny situated. The soldier and I walk down the jet bridge back to the gate.
I ask him, "Now who was that, your grandmother?" He replies, "NO, I have no idea who she was. She asked me for help and I left my own flight to make sure she got onto hers."
Shocked, I responded, "WHAT! You didn't even know this woman?"
My eyes welled with tears. I was so touched and his beautiful face has been engraven in my memory and his concern and love for a complete stranger has been imprinted on my heart. Truly, I thought this woman that was with him was a mother or a grandmother to him. He had treated her like he had known her all his life. He had treated her like she was his relative. He had treated her with love and compassion as he held her arm walking her up the jet bridge and carried her slightly over sized bag! He had treated her how I hope someone would treat my grandmother if she was distressed, worried, and scared. He had treated her like an AMERICAN SOLDIER would.

I wish I had grabbed his name. So, I could write to his parents for such a fine young man or write to his superiors and commend him.

I am grateful I was blessed to see such an amazing act of kindness, goodness, and service to your fellow man. Humanity is found in each of us. We just have to remember that it is there.
Thank you my little soldier boy, where ever you may be and may God always hold you in the hollow of his hand.

20 comments:

chelle said...

OHHHHHH! There goes my make up! Thanks a lot. But it is bedtime so no big deal.

Such a sweet story. I echo your thoughts on thanking our service man and women. Also our veterans and our local armed forces! I love the gratitude campaign. If there is time, I also go up to them and bow (my martial arts training) and say, "Thank you for the service to our country. " It is always a very rewarding encounter.

J. Baxter said...

Thank you for that. It really was an inspiring story. May all three of my boys grow to be such kind, selfless men.

Bren's Life said...

Oh what an incredible story. What a sweet - sweet man. He will be so blessed for that selfless act he did.
Thanks for sharing. Made my night.

Devri said...

I usually cry everynight saying my prayers, thanks for startin' it early..

Little GrumpyAngel said...

What a great day for me to return to blogging, and to visit your blog. That story truly touched me --- and is making me all sniffly now, darn it! But it's all good, because we all need a poignant reminder now and again thru other people's example. I love that video, too. Thanks so much for this great post!

chelle said...

Thanks for the comments on my blog. Can I rent Warrior in case Kallie has anymore problems? ;0) m

Pancake said...

WOW!! What an amazing soldier this guy is!! To give up his flight so she could get to hers!

tiki_lady said...

some idiot freakazoid said have a happy anniversary! Too bad, blogger didn't have a spam thing where you could ban people foreva!
Happy Anniversary!
Ugh, well when Christ returns again. That is when the Happy celebration will begin.

It's not enough for me to put on that annoying word verification!

Anonymous said...

WOW....THAT IS A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL STORY!!!!! THANKS FOR POSTING THIS!!!!

Jan said...

We can all learn a lot more from our service men. This is a story of the going the extra mile in that commitment of service. I love a man like that. Thanks for sharing this remarkable story.

Carol said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. This young man treated her like he would want someone to help his own mom or grandma! I hope he realized what a great act of kindness he did, and how many people he touched by doing this. I am inspired by your post and that there are still great young men dressed in uniform or not!

Brittany said...

what a beautiful story- one you never wanna forget...

Brianna said...

Thank you for sharing that story. It was beautiful. On a day that is filled with so many bad memories, it is nice to remember that there is so much good in the world as well.

ktmay said...

What a sweet sweet young man. Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

Robin Beck said...

Hey MG~
I sent you the stocking swap mail again from my AOL account...Did you get this one?
Let me know on my blog either way.
Thanks Robin~♥

Ane said...

What an awesome experience! Thanks for sharing this!! Have a wonderful Aloha Friday!!

Sue said...

Wow!! incredible story.

I would feel like the most blessed mother if that young man were one of my sons..

Elisa said...

I love this story! Mostly because Jefe's brother is a soldier! It warms my heart when I hear about people being kind to soldiers... but this one takes the cake!

Thanks for sharing, Goosey!

Anonymous said...

Wow, how wonderful to have such great examples of how we should be treating each other. I have such a great love for the military. As my brother in law and cousin have just returned home from Iraq. I have had a member of my family serve in every branch of the military. My dad was a navy guy, his dad a marine, my sister airforce and my brother in law marine, cousin Army. Whew. That is good for now. Thanks for sharing such an uplifting post.

Unknown said...

Oh, you know how I love feel good stories!