Hello to all of my new and old friends. I have a great little story to tell you today. This past weekend I went to Fort Wayne, IN for work and had a terrific trip there and back. Okay, that is stretching it a little bit. It really wasn’t that great of a trip, but the after-affect was spectacular.
Now you are really wondering what I am talking about, aren’t you? Well, as it turns out, the weather in Rapid City was so bad that the plane I was booked on to come home was canceled. So myself, along with several disgruntled travelers, were destined to stay seated and wait for the next plane the following day or make other arrangements. I, being a seasoned traveler, knew that I was not going to stick around the airport and hope for a seat on the next plane. So immediately I called my family and arranged to have them pick me up at the closest airport to my home town. That was in Pierre, SD, only a two and a half hour drive.
So I was all set and getting ready to move to my new gate when I overheard a very lovely elderly lady saying that she really needed to get to Rapid City that night because she had to make it to her brother’s funeral the following day. Now, I assume you can imagine what I did next. Seeing her so distraught and feeling totally helpless, I offered her a seat in my family’s Explorer, making sure that she would make it to Rapid City that night.
She, of course, was extremely happy and spread the news of her good fortune to the ladies that she had been sitting with. Because good news travels fast, I became the new best friend for three more travel buddies and I am so happy I did. Janet from Custer and Megan from Hill City, SD, were both present and accounted for, as well as the lovely Beverly from Texas, who lost her brother. Many prayers sent your way Beverly and Allison, from the Twin Cities.
These ladies entertained me with stories and adventures through our short journey home and the honest to goodness appreciation they showed myself and my family was unforgettable. So let me just say a big “Thank You” to Megan for the 1880 Train Ticket for my family. I know we will enjoy them completely. Another thank you goes to Janet for the lovely card and well wishes. I appreciate all your support and give thanks for new friendships every day.
Finally to the sweet Beverly and entertaining Allison, thank you for laughing with me and my daughter and I do hope that one day we will meet again. Hopefully, under better circumstance than when we first met.
What is the lesson learned here today? Well, I could have turned my head and walked away. I could have ignored the need that was right in front of me. I could have done both of those things, but I chose to be kind and helpful even in my own state of stress. Did I mention that I had been up that day since four o’clock in the morning and was rather tired and grumpy from traveling too? Yet something deep inside prompted me to offer my services and so I did. Yes, it was a little extra work for my family, but it was the right thing to do. Isn’t that what we all set out to do on a daily basis? Maybe it is or maybe it isn’t for you; just remember that what you put out there always comes back!
These ladies entertained me with stories and adventures through our short journey home and the honest to goodness appreciation they showed myself and my family was unforgettable. So let me just say a big “Thank You” to Megan for the 1880 Train Ticket for my family. I know we will enjoy them completely. Another thank you goes to Janet for the lovely card and well wishes. I appreciate all your support and give thanks for new friendships every day.
Finally to the sweet Beverly and entertaining Allison, thank you for laughing with me and my daughter and I do hope that one day we will meet again. Hopefully, under better circumstance than when we first met.
What is the lesson learned here today? Well, I could have turned my head and walked away. I could have ignored the need that was right in front of me. I could have done both of those things, but I chose to be kind and helpful even in my own state of stress. Did I mention that I had been up that day since four o’clock in the morning and was rather tired and grumpy from traveling too? Yet something deep inside prompted me to offer my services and so I did. Yes, it was a little extra work for my family, but it was the right thing to do. Isn’t that what we all set out to do on a daily basis? Maybe it is or maybe it isn’t for you; just remember that what you put out there always comes back!
That was proven to me today with some wonderful thank you cards and the knowledge that I have gain four more people in my life who think of me with kindness and respect. I hope you take something good from this and understand that paying it forward can and will make a better future for all of us living on this great planet.
That’s all today. Until next time, Read On! H.R. Phillips
