Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my son in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The trip was absolutely perfect. A lot has happened since I saw him in January, and I really need his company, sense of humor, adventurousness, and interest sharing. We had a delightful time, and then it was time to come home, which was not delightful but very inspirational, and I want to share some the beautiful people who inspired me on my trip home.

My trip TO Pennsylvania arrived late. In fact, most of the flights my family and friends have been on lately have been late or just flat canceled. Since my connection time in Charlotte was only 30 minutes and I was walking from one end of the airport to the other (22 minutes according to American’s direction app), I tried to change my flight from Charlotte to DFW when I checked my bag, but Jennifer couldn’t find any open direct flights from Charlotte to DFW later in the day, so I shrugged, told her God had this, and went off to Gate C3 to wait for my flight.

Which gloriously arrived early! I was really glad I hadn’t changed flights because the extra 15 minutes would be plenty for the walk and check-in before they closed the doors.

Except the crew over-filled the fuel tank, which had to then be drained for safety…which took way more than 15 minutes.

So I went to the counter where Trudi greeted me kindly. I explained about the connection and the fact I didn’t see how it would work, and she agreed. She again checked for flights later in the day from Charlotte to DFW, and she, too, came up empty. I looked at her and said, “Trudi, I don’t care where you send me or how many times I touch down. Just get me home today.” She nodded and went back to her keyboard.

Three minutes later I was rerouted through Chicago, and my bag was already being pulled and moved over to Gate C2, where I was now leaving from. I was getting home a bit later, but I was going to be home that night.

I know. That is Trudi’s job, but it also isn’t.

It wasn’t her job to make sure I had an aisle seat to Chicago so I could stretch my sore knee out. It also wasn’t her job to give me an exit row seat on the flight from Chicago to DFW. That was kindness, not a job.

Trudi at Gate C3, Harrisburg International Airport, thank you.
Thank you for being an example of kindness.
Thank you for inspiring others to be more than expected.
You are so very appreciated.
🙂