It’s been a very long time since I’ve written for the purpose of sharing inspiration. …
The Day I Met Lydia
On Thursday, August 1st, 2019, I boarded a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Louisville, Kentucky. When I arrived to my row a young lady seated in the aisle seat stood up to let me get to my assigned window seat. Most children I know would love to have the window seat so I asked this little beauty if she would like to have it. She said, “No. It’s okay.” I proceeded to get comfortable and she watched a movie on her tablet. It wouldn’t be too much longer before we took off and I sensed that perhaps there was a bit of anxiety being experienced by my new row mate. As the plane proceeded from the gate towards the run way for takeoff she was looking around but there was little to see. Window shades were mostly pulled down. I introduced myself to her and asked her name. She told me her name was Lydia. I asked who she was traveling with and she told me she was traveling alone – and that this was her very first airplane ride! WOW! I was impressed. I reflected upon the days I took my first lot of trips and remembered what my mom told me and my sister about all the noises we would hear and how each noise was significant to the plane functioning properly – and I shared that memory with Lydia. She was only 11 years old – cute as a button with a round face and medium brown hair and the cutest little giggle and smile. Notwithstanding my passion for children, Lydia reminded me in so many ways of my niece, Milahn – who I affectionately refer to as “My Retirement Package”. Lydia was personable and kind. What was ironically funny is that she told me that one of the instructions her mom gave her was to not talk to strangers- but I sense she felt comfortable talking to me. After all, with over 30 years of experience working with young people, this did not surprise me. I learned that Lydia was going to visit her grandparents who had always taken the 12 hour drive trip to collect her for the summer – and drive her back to Kentucky. Wow! They must really love their granddaughter. The most astonishing fact that Lydia shared was that her mom gave birth to her when she was 15 years old and that her young parents were still together. I remember thinking how rare this was but what a great job her parents had done raising a young lady so well-mannered and so well behaved. We didn’t talk much more than that but I gave Lydia my card and told her to let her family know about the stranger she met on the plane. I fell asleep.
Children have a great way of soothing our souls and making our hearts full. The innocence of them is so precious. We meet people from all walks of life and in all kinds of places. On that day, for me, the sky was the limit.
I hope that wherever Lydia is that she has had a great summer – and I hope her future will be a bright and happy one. I told her I’d write about her. Just leave a few encouraging words for this little lady. And I hope you will find some inspiration in the story, too.
I also met Lydia on her trip to Kentucky, I spent 2 wonderful fun filled days at the lake with her and her grandparents. I fell in love with this sweet soul and we quickly became life long friends. She is such a beauty and I feel so blessed to have become friends with this sweetheart.
WOW!! Small world!! I love this!!
You met her grandparents?! Dang, you had to put up with Steve for two days?!…lol He posted a ton of pictures and videos from the lake visit.
THIS IS FUNNY!!! I suppose they are just a wee bit overly excited. ha ha haaa
I don’t engage kids in conversation if I don’t know them and I’m happy that Lydia’s parents cautioned her. If she were to take a chance to talk to a stranger I am glad it was you Shawnette. She saw that you were a kind person. Lydia sounds delightful and I too hope she had a lovely summer. How wonderful that you helped to make her first trip a good one.
I absolutely love this!!!!!!! I’m Lydia’s mom she told me about this with such excitement love love love the story you wrote about her first airplane experience you truly made it easier on her and we appreciate that greatly big thanks 😊
Oh wow! Hello, Angel. So pleased to meet you and I am thankful to have met your beautiful daughter. I am sure she will travel a lot more now. She’ll become a pro! LOL Say hello to her for me and tell her I wish her all the best in the upcoming school year. You’ve done a great job with her. Be proud!
The grandparents found this and posted it on their facebook page. The grandfather is a good friend of mine and former co worker I’ve kept in touch with. All summer long they were posting pictures and videos of her visit. Pretty awesome!!
After reading this I’m sure Lydia will never ever forget her seat and row number. She will always ask for those numbers again after being the luckiest young lady to feel safe and secure to talk to a total stranger on an airplane. The first impression is the most lasting impression.
Never thought about it that way but wow – that’s powerful…..
I love this,story! I have met so many people in airports , but seldom on airplanes. I love that her parents,are still together and she seems to have a sense of pride about that fact.
I too hope her summer was wonderful.
Her mom and I have connected through facebook and I can tell she is sweet too. Lydia is clearly the center of her parents’ world.
Kindness goes a long way in this world. The young lady will always have positive memories of her first time flying
Being kind is so easy and I wish the world would practice it more.
Thx for sharing and your Ministry as an ambassor of Bermuda. I want part 2 of the story now! I love it, keep up the Great work. One Love that conquers all!!!
Thanks so much, Shelly!! I love making others feel welcome and comfortable. I will continue.