I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life the other day. I was on a plane returning to LA. The woman sitting across from me was balled up in the corner crying uncontrollably. I couldn't help but to wonder and worry what could be soooo wrong with her. I felt compelled to say something to her but at the same time, I felt it wasn't my business. I continued to sit and watch this and could no longer stand it. I simply leaned over putting my hand on her back to console her and said "I know it is none of my business, but are you OK?" She was so visibly shaken and about to burst into tears again. With all she had, she mustered up a smile and just said thank you. Much to my surprise at the end of the flight she leaned over and handed me a 2 page letter she wrote to me. She explained to me her sister was going through her 3RD battle with cancer and to talk about it out loud was just far too difficult. She had been with her sister at the hospital in Brownsville, Tx. She was returning home to Minnesota and said it was so difficult to walk away and leave her sister like this. She said how strong her sister was the whole time and was concerned with everyone else but herself. In the letter she expressed the situation in great detail...leaving me in tears. She was so taken by what she called my "act of kindness and my thoughtfulness" To me it was nothing more than showing compassion and caring for another human being. We all have gone though difficult periods in life. I am sharing this story with each of you b/c just by me asking if she was ok......it made such a difference to her in her time of need. It was amazing how such a small gesture made such a HUGE impact in someone else’s life. It is for this very reason that I treat people the way I like to be treated. It is also just goes to show what a gift the human spirit is and how you can make a difference!
