My flight was the last one out and it was cancelled. I wasn’t going to be able to leave until the next day.
I knew one person on the flight with me, he had been attending the same business meeting, and another person I had sat beside on the way down. They both are much more experienced travellers than I am.
The person I knew is a few years older, he flies first class, owns a helicopter, 2 businesses and holidays for 3 weeks over Christmas in posh resorts on white sand beaches.
When our flight got cancelled he walked away and said “see ya tomorrow”, before we even knew what was going on yet… I was still trying to find out what flight I would be on the next day.
The person I sat beside on the way down took me under his wing. He booked me a room where he was staying, found us the shuttle to the hotel and offered me an extra Tshirt to wear because my bag was on the plane and his was a carry on. The next morning he got me back to the airport and had breakfast with me.
I would have been fine. I would have found my way and eventually made it home. I am completely capable.
But one thing I know for sure now is when someone takes a few extra moments to help a stranger out, there is some grace involved.
He took a night that could have been miserable for me and made it memorable, just by including me in his plans.
If you ever think the small things don’t make a difference… just be the guy alone in a strange city with a cancelled flight and nowhere to go until the next day.
Kindness makes all of the difference in the world.