The power of a moment can live with someone for the rest of their lives.
I talk a lot about being aware of when a moment can happen. We have the power to truly create special moments when we see the opportunity.
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A lot of people go through life and simply focus on themselves and don’t realize that the definition of life is truly experiencing it with others.
My job has always had a very serious undertone. I joined the military at a young age. During that time, I experienced things that most people will never experience in their life. Then, after leaving the U.S. Air Force, I joined the Florida Highway Patrol and that really changed who I am.
I quickly realized that every interaction with someone presents an opportunity for a special moment.
These moments don’t need to be something extravagant. They can simply be an emotional connection or taking the time to hear and see somebody.
Recently, on a quick weekend getaway, I experienced a very special moment from a complete stranger — and that’s what makes it so amazing.
I love to travel. Whether it’s exploring our national parks or taking a random trip overseas to a place I’ve never experienced, I’m there.
Throughout these trips, I’ve had interactions with people who could really use a special moment in their life. I’ve also met people whose goal is to create those moments for others. And that’s why I’m sharing this story.
On the way back from that weekend trip, I experienced my first flight cancellation.
I know some you might be thinking, “Did he just say all this stuff about moments only to complain about a flight cancellation?” Well, you won’t hear a single complaint from me because of the mere experience I had by people who chose to simply be kind.
While at an overseas airport, my wife and I had checked in rather early because we were notified that our flight was delayed. While waiting for updates from JetBlue, things just seemed to be getting worse.
The flight was repeatedly delayed and, after waiting several hours and trying to find information about the flight, it was suddenly canceled.
To my surprise — I say surprise because, let’s be real, flying these days is not easy and most people are there to simply do their job and go home — the staff at JetBlue was so punctual and attentive that everything seemed to fall in place, even though we weren’t going anywhere.
The terminal staff had bus transportation set up and hotel accommodations already made.
This was not the ending we were seeking for my wife’s birthday celebration, but it was something we knew was out of our control. Like anyone, we scrambled to find accommodations for our pets at home and to reschedule any appointments that we were going to miss due to the cancellation.
And 24 hours later, we were back at the airport, and our flight was on time and scheduled for departure. As my wife and I were boarding the plane, we were greeted by the warmest smile I have ever seen on any flight by any attendant. This employee truly appeared to enjoy her job and was there for the passengers on that flight.
I think we can all recall a time when we boarded a flight and felt we were not even seen. But not today.
Ivelisse smiled at me and my wife and asked if we were Steven and Kamilla, apparently tipped off by a social media post I made before we left the U.S. about the birthday getaway.
I was a little taken aback by this because I didn’t think anyone would know our names since we were out of the country. She kindly informed me that she had moved our seats and that we could sit toward the front of the plane.
During our flight home, Ivelisse made anything that was available to her completely available to us. I truly felt we were the only ones on this plane because of how she was treating the passengers. She checked on us several times during the flight simply just to make sure we were OK. A lot of people will say, “That’s her job,” and I would agree with you, but it doesn’t stop there.
About 20 minutes before we landed in Orlando, Ivelisse came down the aisle of the aircraft with what I recognized immediately as a large Publix bakery box. In my mind, this wasn’t possible, but the reality was she made it possible.
She approached me and my wife with that same warm smile, and she presented my wife with the most gorgeous birthday cake and a personalized card from the flight crew. She kindly said, “From all of us here at JetBlue, we want to wish you a happy birthday, and that, although your flight was canceled, we are glad that you were with us today.”
When I tell you I was speechless, I had no idea what to do. You see, random acts of kindness like this are not often experienced, let alone in the airline industry. These men and women have no easy task and from what you see on TV or social media, they’re put through a lot.
To say that I felt emotional in this moment is an understatement. Ivelisse and her team showed that although a job might be difficult and unappreciated, it doesn’t stop someone from being kind and creating special moments for others.
Situations like this for others has a reciprocal emotional impact that is equal to the recipient of that moment. She did not have to do this, but from her heart she decided to. Ivelisse is the representation of a great human being. Doing something for someone else who has no idea what’s coming — and for nothing in return.
I don’t think the JetBlue staff understood the impact this would have on not only my wife, but me as well. There is not much I can do as an individual to thank her and her crew for this gesture, but sharing it might be just what we need to make this type of behavior contagious.
We are all limited on our time here on Earth. It’s what makes us equal. But when we do it with kindness and the thought of maybe creating a special moment for someone else, it makes this short time something to live for.
So here’s a huge thank you to the staff at JetBlue in Orlando for everything you do on a daily basis. It’s members like Ivelisse who make or break a company, and she is definitely a representative whom I’m sure JetBlue is proud to have.