Perks of the Job

There are obvious perks to my job as a Flight Attendant. But there are also perks that aren't so obvious but every bit as important and wonderful.

The other day I had the priviledge of flying to Rochester, MN home of the Mayo Clinic. We stay very close to the Mayo which still leaves me in awe of such an amazing facility. Millions of people flock to the Clinic in hopes of finding cures, relief, help and hope from the expertise of some of the top notch doctors in the entire world. It's a beautful place.

The flight to Rochester from Minneapolis is only 18 minutes as it is a 78 aeronautical mile trip.The good news is that there are usually many doctors and nurses on board. The bad sad news is, there are many patients and potential patients on board. I am always on the top of my game in the event of some sort of unforseen emergency. I'll admit, it's a bit unnerving at times.

The other day, we were actually returning from Rochester. As we were boarding, I noticed a young girl with her parents. This girl was in a wheelchair, wearing a heavy coat, knit hat, mittens, scarf...you get the picture (it was about 75 degrees outside). Her skin was gray, her eyes sunken and she was clearly sick. My assumption was cancer. As she stood from her wheelchair, with help from her parents, it was evident that she was living on borrowed time.

I kept an eye on her during the flight. She sat by her adoring, doting parents and slept most of the flight.

Then, in row 1, there was another couple. This lady was also thin, frail, had gray skin, sunken eyes, almost no hair on her head and no eyebrows or eyelashes. Her adoring husband lifted her into her seat. During the flight, he held her hand, tenderly touched her sallow face and spoke sweetly to her. they told me they had been married for 57 years.

I sat on my jumpseat with these precious souls onboard. They were both fighters and they were both strong in spirit. I couldn't take my eyes off of them. They were both captivating and they both touched my heart.

As I fought the tears, I reflected on my own life. It is so easy to get caught up in our own personal battles and struggles that we often are blinded to those around us who are facing life and death situations. I can't begin to imagine the hours, days, weeks or even months of "torture" these two women have endured. My "problems" or challenges pale in comparison. While it is true that we all have our own crosses to bear, I, personally, am extremely thankful for the ones I have had to face. A sweet friend of mine said in Sunday School class yesterday something to the effect of: "There are only two things I can really control: 1. my preparation for things to come and 2. How I react to what comes."

I only hope and pray that I can find the strength that I may need to deal with whatever comes my way. How incredibly grateful I am that I have enjoyed good health, prosperity, happiness, love and much much more! I pray that God will continue to bless these unseen, often unknown heroes. I also pray that He will bless me to recognize the blessings in my life