The Right Place at the Right Time
The unexpected unfolded on a flight bound for Philadelphia—a heartfelt conversation among three strangers. It began with a friendly exchange between me and the guy in the aisle seat, who optimistically noted, “We might get lucky and have the middle seat empty.” But that soon would change, and someone sat in the middle.
Adjusting the window shade, I noticed the dark-haired man in his 30s with sad eyes in the middle seat. His muscular legs, adorned with tattoos, made the space feel even tighter. I asked if the sunlight was too much, and he politely replied, “You’re the keeper of the window and can adjust it as you wish.” Something about him invited a conversation. I closed the shade, we put down our phones, and our dialogue began.
This journey was an emergency flight for him—time was of the essence. He had been traveling back and forth to be with his mother, who was dying from a rare cancer. His earlier inquiry about seats closer to the front made sense now; he needed to get to the hospital quickly.
Me: “Tell me about you and your mom.”
Him: “I’m her baby. She’s always been selfless, taking care of me and everyone else. She always put others before herself.”
Me: “Why do you think she’s proud of you?”
Him: “She always says she doesn’t worry about me. I have a good job, pay my bills, and can take care of myself. I think she’s proud that I’ve stepped up to help care for her these last few months.”
Me: “Your bond with your mother is special. Did you ever cook with her?”
Him: “Yes, she taught me to make meatballs, fried matzoh, and chocolate cream pie. Those are still some of my favorites.”
Me: “Never forget she goes where you go. You carry her in your heart.”
The conversation ended as the flight attendant arrived with refreshments. The two young men ordered shots of Jack Daniels, and I felt a pang in my chest as if my deceased son William was hugging me. I smiled as they clinked their plastic cups of JD and soda. I whispered, “Cheers to you, my son.”
As we neared our destination, the flight attendant kindly moved this loving son to the front of the plane to expedite his exit. He expressed his gratitude and moved forward. My other seatmate then turned to me with a thoughtful expression.
Him: “I feel we were meant to be in these seats together today.”
Me: “Absolutely. Your kindness was evident, and you were a good listener. You helped him a lot.”
Him: “I understand what he’s going through. I lost my mom a couple of years ago. Losing a parent is incredibly difficult.”
Me: “I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure your mom is an angel on your shoulder. You made her proud today.”
As my seatmate and I exited the plane, the flight attendant informed us that our fellow passenger had received a text saying his mom was unresponsive. We were deeply concerned for him. My seatmate quickly said goodbye and hurried to catch up with him, wanting to ensure he was all right to drive.
Life may never be perfect, but it can still be good. Moments like this remind me that every day is a gift. Sometimes, we find ourselves in the right place at the right time. How we use that time is up to us. Please don’t waste it in despair. Find a safe place for your grief, express your love, offer support, and remember that we carry our loved ones in our hearts wherever we go.
