Thursday, August 20, 2009

Quick Note

We arrived safely in Virginia late last night after a long day of traveling. I felt sorry for the woman across the aisle from me. She was alone with three children. The airplane had 6 seats across separated by one aisle. So the woman took one row with two young toddlers on either side of her and her 7 year old sat on the aisle seat across from her. I sat in the seat behind the 7 year old. And older woman happened to sit next to the 7 year old. That older woman was an angel. She should have been paid millions for what she endured during the flight.
The 7 year told her all kinds of things. About her father and about her biological father. About her house that isn't really house because it's a trailer and she has no curtains on her windows. The 7 year old wanted to write a story but she couldn't write. So the 7 year old drew pictures and the lady was nice enough to write the words. Then the 7 year old said, "And let's not make this a short story. It needs to be nice and long for my daddy." And she wasn't kidding.
Later in the flight, the 7 year old started singing. First she sang songs like, "It's raining, It's pouring." Then she started just singing and even admitted that she was making up words that weren't even real words. "La Ti Da.."
Do you know how long a flight from Seattle to Virginia is?
As the plane started to descend the little girl commented that her ears were starting to bother her and that she couldn't hear. But then she quickly recovered and said, "It's ok, I can still talk." Oh...
Even my own 7 year, who was sitting 2 rows behind with my husband, commented on how annoying this other 7 year old was.
Really, this woman should have been paid millions. And I don't think the other mom even thanked her. But I did.

14 comments:

Karen said...

That sounds like some flight! That older woman sounds very kind. A lot of adults would have gotten very annoyed with that little girl (this coming from the mom of a talkative 7yr old girl).

betty said...

glad you got there safe and sound! I hope you have a great visit!! you have to admire that older lady for being so patient with that 7 y/o. Perhaps she saw something there from her life or saw something in the mom's eyes others couldn't see. What a wise woman she was; I'm not sure if I would have had that type of compassion, especially since I don't enjoy flying (but do love little kids)

or perhaps that older lady does what I do; before she flies she takes a Xanax and life is all good for a few hours.....

enjoy!

betty

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Cookie, Sounds like the little 7 yr old was craving attention. That woman did need a medal for listening to her the enitre trip.... MERCY...

Where in VA???? I grew up in southwest VA ---and know that part of the state well.

Hope you have a great visit.
Hugs,
Betsy

Joyce-Anne said...

I'm happy to hear you made it to the East coast safely. The mother of that 7 year old was probably overwhelmed, but it doesn't excuse her poor manners. It was kind of you to recognize the older woman's generosity of spirit with the child (as well as you thanking her).

girlytwins said...

Wow. Wow. Wow! I would have gone crazy LOL.
Thank goodness for older nice ladies :)

Michelle said...

Wow! I would have put in my earphones and read a book, pointedly, about three minutes into the flight. Yay to nice people. Of whom I am not one.

TALON said...

That woman (who you so gracefully thanked) had the patience of a saint. I can't help feeling sorry for that little girl.

bernthis said...

oh God, I would have died on that flight. That is true, the woman does deserve millions. What a saint.

Snaggle Tooth said...

I'm assuming the flight was about 6.5 hours.
Maybe the kind soul was a Grammy missing her little ones. I love friendly kids when I'm at the store lines, cus I always go by myself. Seven hours would be a bit taxing tho-
Give the woman a medal!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I would have loved sitting next to that kid. I have endless patience for that kind of chatter from kids. They always talk about real things (bees, grade school drama, biological parents - love that one!). Grownups who want to talk my ear off though? Not so much...

p-huong said...

Wowzers, what a saint. I'm sorry, but kids on an airplane, no matter how adorable they are, are annoying. No wonder my mom never travels with me.

Cathy said...

that woman does deserve a major award! wow. so glad you made it there safely.

Lynn said...

I hope after all that your trip is good. I love Virginia. Hey - if you are anywhere near the Shenandoah Valley - take your kids to Dinosaur Land. A crazy dinosaur village in the middle of nowhere, but down the street from my sister's "55+ community."

Suzie said...

I have to take a flight with the kids next week do you have her number?