The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences one can go through in life, especially when that person is a child. When grieving mother Tricia Bielstra was on a plane for her son’s funeral, she was emotionally drained and needed a flight bag in case she felt ill.
When a young flight attendant found out about her situation, he left her a kind and touching note, written on a napkin. Tricia was so touched that she shared her note online, hoping he would hear her thank you.
Tricia shared her story online saying; “I couldn’t tell this story yet…I took Southwest Airlines flight 1076…I didn’t look or feel good.
I sat in my seat between two strangers holding a low bag between my legs. One of the flight attendants looked at me and asked if I was okay. I asked for water and someone else brought it to me. Then this young man arrived. I wish I had his name.
He was taking drink orders. I ordered a diet coke and another glass of water. He leaned over and asked me if I was okay. I told him that I was going back to bury my son. He said he was so sorry and brought me a can of water, a cup of ice cream and a diet coke. The girl next to me offered to pour me some water because my hands were shaking. When we landed the girl helped me with my luggage.
As I was leaving the plane the young man waiting for me was standing on the landing and when I got off the plane he stopped me and handed me a tissue and said he was sorry for my loss and it wasn’t that much.
I said thank you and left. When I got to where I was on the sidewalk, I looked at the handkerchief he gave me and cried. I asked Father Mike to bless him and said he was one of God’s spirit angels. Please share this and hope you come back to it. Thank you so much for your kind words from someone who took the time to write this and doesn’t know me.
The note reads: “In 2004, my family lost my older brother. Despite the trauma I still have, I can’t even pretend that I truly know the pain you feel as a mother. However, I witnessed my mother’s grieving process (a process that will never end)”, books.
“My mother fought so hard to chase a distant target to somehow lessen the pain. As I realize now, the pain almost never subsides. Don’t waste your energy trying to chase that away. Instead, do your best to find opportunities to experience joy. Visit family, get closer, with whom you have lost touch, travel.
“I’m not going to stop thinking about you anytime soon or how you’re doing or what you’re doing. You’ll come out a stronger person and I’ll support you all the time.”
When someone is struggling, showing kindness, understanding, and empathy can really give them the comfort they need to help them get through it. This gracious host has certainly helped give Tricia the strength she will need to face one of the toughest trials of her life, and she will be forever grateful.
You are kind.
