Airport Angel

March 2007, I was 5 months pregnant and traveling back to the U.S. via Puerto Rico. I don't know why, but a salt-n-pepper-haired middle-aged gentleman caught my attention for a brief moment as we exited the aircraft in Puerto Rico. I know what you are thinking, but not in a romantic sense - remember I was 5 months pregnant! As I reached up to get my overhead baggage I remembered the warning of my mother not to lift anything heavy and to be careful. This was unavoidable traveling on my own. I took my time taking down my carry-on baggage and waddled my way through the airport and on to the gate where I would meet my connecting flight to BWI airport. When I got to the counter, I found out that my 1-hour wait for my connecting flight was actually delayed and had turned into a 5-hour delay. I looked around the crowded airport to find a seat that I could comfortably sit/slouch/lay until my flight was called. I don't know where he emerged from, but there he was, the gentleman from my flight. He motioned over to me to join him in the American Airlines membership area. Usually cautious, something in my spirit saw this gentleman as non threatening and I walked with him as he entered a beautiful, clean and welcoming lounge area. Perfect for any neat freak, borderline-OCD-soon-to-be-mom. In an unknown European accent he offered to me something to eat. I shyly declined but he insisted on an at least an orange juice. We held a brief conversation where we talked about our families and touched on his job before his flight was called. As he motioned to pick up his bag, I also did the same as I prepared to exit this exclusive area. He promptly informed me that I could stay and that if I needed anything to let the bartender/waiter know. I thanked him for his kindness and asked him to take a picture with me - I was so amazed at his random kindness, I needed proof of his existence to show my husband when I landed in the U.S. After he left the bartender informed me that the gentleman left a credit at the bar so that I could get a proper meal and drinks (of the soft kind) before my flight. My airport angel turned what could have been an uncomfortable and anxiety provoking 5-hour wait into a relaxing period of reflection on the kindness that still exists in the world. I lost the picture I took, but his kindness is forever engraved in my heart.


Of all the things in the world, kindness of the random variety renews our faith in mankind and cures the world one gesture at a time. Oh how surprisingly beautiful it is!