Flight improved with entertainment

I just read a story about a lady who took her young children on a plane ride to see their grandmother. One of the little ones had a meltdown and was calmed by another passenger. The lady didn’t ask if help was wanted, she simply did what was needed to quiet the child. It reminded me of the time several years ago when my husband and I took a plane ride to spend some time with our  daughter, Beth.

We were seated about a third of the way down from the front, across the aisle from each other. Shortly after everyone was where they were supposed to be the stewardess stopped by and asked me if I was willing to change seats. She pointed out that hubby and I wouldn’t be across from each other if I did. I laughed and told her that we would still arrive at our destination at the same time. Plus it would give us something to talk about after we landed.

A young lady in the first row needed somebody to take care of her child. I seem to remember that the woman was pregnant. Her daughter was less than two years old and cute as a button. When I recall that flight, I realize what a blessing it was to be the designated grandma.

The poor mother was having severe hot flashes and there wasn’t much she could do about it. She felt as bad as she looked. Her little girl was quiet but we all knew that expecting one so young to behave during a three hour flight was unrealistic.

I gladly took over the child entertainment duties for the duration. The little girl was fascinated with my ring. She played with it off and on all during the flight. It was absolutely best time I had ever had on an airplane. It was the shortest flight I had ever taken. Three hours felt more like an hour or less.  I hope the mother was feeling better on their return flight. I don’t remember their names and am not sure that I was even told what they were. I do remember how pretty the child was and how miserable the mom was.

I love little kids. I especially love other people’s little babies. They tend to be soft and cuddly. They are easily entertained. There are few better feelings than the heavy weight of an infant asleep on my chest. A transient smile or an outright giggle are the rewards for being the center of their attention.

Best of all, other people’s babies can be returned to a parent when the child needs to be changed.

At some point little kids turn into bigger kids who no longer fit on my lap. Bigger kids, even perfect bigger kids, know everything about everything and are not shy about correcting those who disagree.  At some point children grow up and have children of their own and the cycle begins anew.

In these days where people seem to be so intolerant of just about everything, it was refreshing to read about a stranger lending a hand. There are far too many who are willing to whine when small and not-so-small passengers cause a ruckus. Perhaps all flights should include a complementary grandmother or grandfather whose sole responsibility is to comfort babies, toddlers or anyone else who needs it. 

That’s a job I would enjoy.