The Nice Thing About Strangers
Creative Non-Fiction Short Stories. :) Travel, Oldsters, Love, and Compassion.
Prayers for Paul
The man sits quietly by the window through the flight. As we grow close to landing, my 9-year old niece strikes up a conversation with her neighbor. This is a sure sign that she and I are related. The man is from Louisiana and his name is Paul. My niece likes his accent. He is catching a flight to Montana for work and he asks her about going into the 5th grade. They both own dachshunds that they love, so they compare dog-family photos.
Strong winds that are preventing flights from landing, so we circle the airport for another half hour. Then yet another. The Captain mentions that we may have to land in Colorado Springs or Cheyenne. My niece looks up at Paul with worry. He also grows worried. There’s a chance to land, and what feels like only a few hundred feet from the ground, we head upward again. My niece shakes her head.
We did finally land in Denver as expected, and we let Paul go on ahead so he can hustle for his plane. Since he bid us goodbye–four weeks ago–my niece has mentioned this kind stranger in her nightly prayers. She prays for Paul, that he made his plane, that he made it home again, and that he is happy.
–Colorado.
The Nice Thing About Strangers 
that is so sweet –
Proof once again that we can find something in common with everyone we meet. Bless her.
I love this story for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing this one Paige.
She’s gonna grow up to be a wonderful woman one day, she will probably never forget his southern accent and that he was kind, she will remember his kindness and always return the favor. Also the dog is adorable! ❤️
My niece is really a thoughtful and caring girl. I’m often amazed by how she just leaps out in compassion for others. 🙂 It’s a great example for me as well. Maybe one day she’ll go to Louisiana because of Paul. 🙂
Have a lovely weekend,
Paige