Judging By the Cover

I had landed a front row seat on my flight home, I was stoked about it too. As I boarded the plane there was a large gentleman sleeping in the aisle seat next to my window front row seat. I couldn’t get past him and had to disturb him to get into my seat. While we waited for our flight to take off he slept the entire time. Our plane pulled out but didn’t get far when our pilot let us know there was a maintenance issue and that we’d be going back to our gate. The guy next to me slept through all the hoopla. We got back to our gate and service crew members boarded our plane. Being in the front row I could see crew members coming and going and was privy to conversations. This went on for over an hour. Then, our pilot told us we could get off the plane if we wanted to. I stayed put—climbing over the sleeping gentleman didn’t appeal to me.

Not much later we were told the issue couldn’t be fixed and we all had to deboard the plane. Would I even get home tonight? But I was thankful the airline was looking out for our safety. Better to find out now and not in the air.

Once in the waiting area back in the airport you could feel the tension among the misplaced travelers as we waited to hear what would happen next. There were a series of announcements and then finally we heard we’d be boarding another plane. The waiting crowd erupted in cheers and clapping.

When I boarded again, we had the same flight crew and my seat mate was again next to me, but this time he was awake.

One of the things I found so interesting was how happy all the passengers were this time around. Many talked with the flight attendants telling jokes and smiling and making pleasant and cheerful conversation. The first time around hardly anyone spoke and most seemed grumpy. One little change—having to be misplaced and not sure if we’d be heading out—changed the whole mood of the entire plane. Suddenly everyone felt special for being able to finally move toward our next destination.

Then, a little boy stopped by the man sitting next to me. This boy was his son and he was told to get back to his seat.

I’m thinking, Are you kidding me? He’s in the front while his son is in the back of the plane. I noticed the two seats behind us were empty and I thought if the flight attendant were asked maybe they’d allow this little boy to fly next to his father. I got caught up in my thoughts about the large man seated next to me and should I mention that they might allow his son to move up? But thinking he may be “not such a nice man” because he was making his son sit in the back while he sat in the front gave me pause.

I decided to go for it.

I said, “Hi. Was that your son?”

He said, “Yes, he’s in the back of the plane with his mom and aunt. I can’t fit in those chairs and have to pay more for a bigger seat.” (At this point I felt like a bit of a jerk—okay, a big jerk.)

I continued with my agenda to get this kid next to his dad, “Well, you know, the seats behind us are empty, if you ask I’m willing to bet they will allow your son to sit with you and move up.”

“Really?” he was a bit shocked but seemed excited at the idea.

He motioned to the male flight attendant who then leaned in toward us. This big man next to me got a bit flustered and couldn’t get the words out to ask if his son could move.

I spoke up, “These seats behind us are empty. His young son is in the back of the plane. Can he move up so he can sit with his dad?” (I was so glad I had built a repour with the flight attendants ahead of time which made my request harder to say no to.)

The boy was indeed allowed to move up, and the man next to me (who I had completely misjudged) looked at me and said, “Thank you so much.”

I felt like I had done a good deed and my reward was the front row all to myself.

Too many times I see a situation and make assessments with the limited knowledge I have. I felt a bit disappointed in myself for thinking the man next to me was unkind when I hadn’t even had a conversation with him. Once I talked to him I realized I was wrong. Truthfully, he looked a little scary—he was big and intimidating. But on the inside he was sweet and kind.

I learned a big lesson on this very late and long delayed flight. I’ve heard “don’t judge a book by its cover” and would have told you I never do that, but clearly I would have been wrong. I was wrong. Wrong…again.

But I learned a lesson (maybe there’s one here for you too) and I’m hoping it really sticks.

I’ve resolved to make this lesson stick.

We never know what someone else is dealing with and what journey they are on. Inside we all deal with battles and pain that are not detected from the outside. If we all remember this maybe we can be a little kinder to each other.

Thank you for visiting LuSays. Check out books by Lucille Williams: Know someone who’s getting married? From Me to We would make the perfect gift. Want to give someone some fun laughs and a boost in their intimacy department? The Intimacy You Crave is a fun gift. Know a mom who could use some encouragement? Order a copy of The Impossible Kid.  And Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6.