It was early January 2021, a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe. The most interesting aspect of my job was that it offered new, challenging, and unique experiences every day.
I was rostered for a morning flight to Algeria with a fairly light passenger load to Algeria. It seemed like a pretty standard day at work until we were informed that our aircraft had a delay. Delays meant and impacted differently for different departments. Delays for the ground staff meant increased pressure to release the aircraft. For the engineers, it meant fixing the aircraft as soon as possible, as every minute on the ground incurred cost to the company. For the pilots, it meant liaising with the engineers and the air traffic controllers for the release of the aircraft or perhaps, in some cases, even a new flight plan. For the crew, it meant increased checks in the cabin to anticipate if any customers needed anything.
After about a 30-45 minute delay on the ground, we didn’t have any definite idea as to how long we’d remain on the ground. The cabin crew was advised to continue with the round of beverages and check on the customers from time to time. As we continued with ground services, I noticed a woman bursting in tears and crying her heart out. Seeing someone cry profusely was not easy for me to bear at that moment. I felt like helping her; however, I felt a little helpless. I was unsure to go and ask her if she was okay or just allow her some space for herself.
The lady was dressed in an abaya, and at that moment I felt I should inform my supervisor about it. So I immediately informed my supervisor that a lady seated on 26F was profusely crying. After giving her some time and space, I decided to go and speak with the lady. I approached her gently, made eye contact, and asked her if everything was okay. She replied by saying yes, she was okay. I offered some kleenex so she could wipe off her tears. Although she tried to put up a bold front and attempted to hide her tears, I encouraged her and said, “I don’t know what you’re going through, but stay strong in this season. There is hope.”
That was the moment she again burst out in tears and started pouring out her emotions and feelings to me. I hunched on my knees, gave her my time, and began listening to what she had to say. The more she talked and expressed herself, the more she cried. I listened patiently and tried to instill hope and encouragement in my conversation with her. That was a moment where she became vulnerable to me. It was a personal and emotional moment for her where she could express what she felt to a complete stranger on a plane. We mutually knew that she could share her heart out without any judgments whatsoever.
She eventually felt better as I ensured that she was checked on regularly throughout the flight. I believe she needed and outlet and someone to just hear her out. Sometimes you can surprise yourself in situations which will demand your time and availability, and you’d be stunned to know that your saying ‘yes’ makes a big difference. In a busy and distracted world that we live in, where people and things (yes, our phones) pull our attention in different directions, opportunities are always knocking if we’re ready to take hold on them. The story ends where I wish her all the very best as she deplaned the aircraft.
Often times, it might be pretty ordinary for us to give our time, but for the person who needs someone to talk, it can act as a relief. I just want to encourage you that as you become more situationally aware of situations and conditions around you, your availability can lead to someone’s vulnerability.
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