First Class Kindness

My journey to Japan was rather unusual due to the Covid-19 restrictions. To get to Japan I left from Gainesville Florida, landed in Dallas Texas, then caught my final flight to Tokyo with a total travel time of 12 hours and 55 minutes. With Coronavirus all around us, it still didn't occur to me to prepare for the possibility of fast food being shut down or limited inside of an international airport! This lack of preparation on my end was definitely a detrimental mistake for me to make. Due to coronavirus and recent restrictions no snacks on international flights would be distributed and dining would be limited.

I had a three hour layover in Dallas and once I found my gate I began frantically searching for something to eat. Anyone that know's me knows I LOVE coffee, and hallelujah I saw a Starbucks sign! I made an immediate beeline to it, only to discover due to Covid they were not open. I was feeling real desperate for some caffeine and calories. Eventually I came upon a Chick-fil-A, waited 30 minutes in line on my (X) only to be told, "Hi were only selling one item, our mini chicken biscuits. Due to Covid our menu items are limited." I know the poor lady was only doing her job, but I'm sure she read the helplessness across my face. Side-note, (I do not eat bread, or any fried foods so this wasn't an option for me.) Chick-fil-A did however have hot coffee, so by this time I quickly grabbed a cup ran by the airline store where i purchased two waters, and a container of fruit.

I flew American Airlines, but they were joined by Japanese Airways. The flight attendant had to verify all of my paperwork, and I.D's due to the border still being closed. Once I was cleared we began the boarding process. This was a giant piece of aircraft, long flight, and yet only 40 passengers on the whole itinerary. I made it to my aisle seat (the one I strategically chose) and was pleased to see that I had the all three seats to myself. We were about 30 minutes into the flight and I had already whipped out my blanket, headphones, and was watching re-runs of Friends just absolutely relaxing, when I noticed a flight attendant approaching me. All I could think was there's an issue with these papers and I've got to ride all the way there and they aren't gonna let me in this country.

To my surprise the flight attendant said, "Hello Mrs.Adams I see that you are on military orders, are you active duty or are you a spouse.?"

I responded, " I am a spouse, my husband is active duty and I am moving there today to be with him."

He said, "I am retired military and when I served, there were a lot of people that did nice things for me, and I understand the sacrifice you are making today. That means a lot to him and I just wanted to do something kind for you today. If you don't mind I'd like to invite you to be my guest in first class today and I will watch over you."

The Lord is my witness, I was so shocked at this strangers kindness and with my sensitiveness, I started to cry. I thanked him over and over profusely. I grabbed my belongings followed him through the cabin into first class. Now this was the first and probably last time I will ever get to fly first class, but man that was so amazing! My dad and I had been praying all day about finding food, praying for a smooth flight, and then The Lord just went and worked it all out and put me in first class.

I was given my own little pod, TV, special headset, chair that laid out into a bed, 3 four course meals (of my choosing), and access to whatever I needed. This was definitely luxurious and 100% the way to travel! I was able to get so much rest, and relax before I made it to Japan which was such a blessing. What was so crazy, was that this flight attendant actually saw my husband before I did, disembarking the plane and said, "hey your wife was on the flight correct?" Now this man didn't know Seth or I. Seth said, "Yes sir the blonde one." The flight attendant replied, "Yes I know, don't worry we set her up, and took care of her in first class."

I just felt like it was important to share this, and I truly wish I knew this man's full name because I would let American Airlines know just how wonderful he is. You'll never know how your small act of kindness can drastically change someone's day, and that day he made a really hard and scary transition a little easier for me.