How can you spread sunshine where ever you are? Can you see the sunshine in your own life? Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash

We flew home yesterday from Salt Lake to Chicago. I, honestly, was dreading the flight because I was doing it alone. I had three little girls, a double stroller and three large bags to carry through the airport. When we finally got our other huge luggage checked, we had to get through security and for some reason Jane’s hands had to be checked along with her backpack. We finally got through and I tried to be calm even though I was really stressed inside. I prayed that the people on the plane would be kind and understanding of my active children.

My prayers were answered.

As we waited when the plane was delayed, there were a friendly older couple and a man that had twins (not with him though) that were very kind to my restless girls. Then when we were on the plane we sat in front of a lady that had an infant; it always helps when you are not the only one with kids on a plane. And a beautiful lady sitting behind us made an origami bird out of paper and gave it to Brooklyn. But, the most surprising thing that happened was a man (I thought he was a young kid initially.) that immediately offered to help me get off the plane.

All three of my girls had fallen asleep as we descended and I wasn’t sure how I was going to gather all my carry-ons and carry all my sleeping children. First, I woke up Jane who was a champ; she shook off the tiredness and helped me gather our aisle of stuff. Then, Ryan, the man who I thought was a little frustrated with my kids, offered to help me carry nearly all my bags. He went the extra mile by helping me get my double stroller set up and carrying my bags all the way to baggage claim so I could have an easier time pushing the stroller. When I got flustered he said, “O, no rush. Take your time.” It was a wonderful gift to have someone be so understanding and helpful.

Earlier in the flight, Brooklyn had been wandering up and down the aisles of the airplane and had kept touching Ryan’s arm while he played on his phone and smiling at him. He did not respond and I was a little disappointed. Most people are so friendly. Little did I know that an hour later I would be chatting with him about his travels and his wife at home. The coolest thing is that I believe that Brooklyn, and most children really, can sense goodness in others. Ryan turned out to be the extra hands and the kind heart that I had prayed for, and I learned again that people are mostly good and that there are always opportunities to help others if we will pay attention.

Best,

Lucy