I thought I was prepared—bottles packed, diapers organized, snacks on hand. But nothing could’ve prepared me for being left alone at 30,000 feet with three screaming children.
Just minutes after takeoff, my husband leaned over and said, “I’m going to switch seats—it’ll give me a little break,” and disappeared down the aisle.
I was stunned. Overwhelmed. One child kicking the seat, two infants crying in my arms, and a cabin full of judging eyes. My hands shook as I tried to soothe them all. I felt like I was failing.
Then the cockpit door opened.
The pilot stepped out, calm and composed, and walked straight toward me. With a gentle voice, he asked, “Ma’am, may I help you?”
And just like that—everything changed.
What he did next silenced the entire plane… and reminded me that kindness can show up when you least expect it.