The last time my mother and I took a plane ride was when we were traveling from Washington State to Philadelphia for the wedding of her sister’s grandson. Mom was 91 and hard of hearing had limited sight and used a walker or scooter for mobility that could not be used in the plane.
When she needed to use the restroom there was no assistance device and I knew she could not have walked the distance alone. As I faced her, I asked her to place her hands on my arms and as I gently held her arms, I walked backward to steady, my gait and encouraged her to use me as her walker. Ensuring I would not bump into others, I steadily guided her up toward first class and the forward restroom which was closer than traveling the entire length of the plane to the back lavatories.
The journey was slow; her gait was wobbly, and it seemed to take forever as we walked the thirty or so feet to the front. When she was finished and we began the walk back, a gentleman in first class handed me a note on a scrap of paper.
Once Mom and I were both settled in our seats, I read the note. It read:
“Every now and then, God gives us visual reminders of what love looks like. You’ve done that for me today. May God bless you. John Marra, October 31, 2015.”
I never got the chance to thank Mr. Marra, but I have carried that paper with me as a reminder that it only takes a small act of love and kindness to make someone happy. Thank you, Mr. Marra.
In memory of Evelyn Parker.