It had just been announced that we would now be boarding Zone 3. As I stepped into the line, a well-dressed young man appeared to my right waiting for the end of the line to get to him. I motioned him in and said, “Go ahead.”
As we were standing in the Jetway, I noticed the little white-haired lady that stood just in front of this young man. She was wearing a red wool top and gray pants and holding on to the handle of her small red rolling carry-on. She turned around, looked up at the young man and asked, “Will this fit under my seat?” His response was kind and immediate; “Ma’am, if it doesn’t I will put it in the overhead for you.”
We filed onto the plane and I watched as he did just as he’d stated. He followed her to her seat, found a space in an overhead bin, confirmed that the placement was to her satisfaction, and then back-tracked to his own assigned seat.
Whe he answered that question, I stood there saying to myself, “What a great answer!” He, or I, could have just said yes I believe it will fit just fine. But he went beyond the question itself and into the real need of the person seeking some assistance.
I am privileged and thankful to have witnessed the lesson in this act of service.
Jeff, thanks for sharing this beautiful example of intentional kindness.
What a great story, what a powerful point!