I was returning home recently from Florida having celebrated our Anniversary and had settled into my seat making sure that my book and water bottler were within easy reach.  I was in the center seat when a young woman entered our row to take the seat by the window.  We said hello and I proceeded to become lost in a chapter of my current read.  It wasn't long before we were taking off when I noticed that she was leaning forward and holding her face in her hands.  It was quickly evident that she was terrified to fly.  As we were gaining altitude, she continued to be visibly upset.  I waited; unsure what to do since the only words we had spoken were 'hello'.  I reached over and touched her back asking if she was ok.  At that point, she admitted that she hated to fly and had never flown alone.  I asked her name; it was Megan and she was 25 years old.  I introduced myself and reassured her that I was a "mom" and that everything was going to be alright.  I tried my best to keep her occupied; asking her about where she lived, where she had been, her education and her new job, her family and her year-long stay in South America last year (and yes, I asked her how she possibly flew that far!).  Unfortunately, with each bump we encountered on this turbulent ride through the clouds reduced her to a pile of nerves.

 

Clutching my hands the entire time, I tried keeping her distracted and after 2 hours, we touched down amid tears and apologies of which I assured her there was no need. 

 

My message this month is about the importance of chance encounters; those times when you find yourself at the right place at the right time.  Megan and I met for the first time in the briefest of circumstances having found ourselves seated next to one another in a plane full of people.  As she hugged me goodbye and thanked this "complete stranger" for being there for her, I realized the importance of never quite knowing when you've been given the gift of making a difference.

 

My suggestion to you is to be aware of those around you and follow one of the  5 Hospitality Initiatives that we teach our staff.....Seek opportunities to serve (and to make a difference)!! 

 

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, grand-moms, mom's-to-be, and those that assume that role at a moment's notice!!