Angels in Flight

Smile when you feel like crying. That was a given in my flight attendant's job. "It's the best way to help yourself when you're feeling down," my mother reminded me right before she died. But my heart wasn't in my job now that she was gone.

Every flight found me struggling to be courteous and professional when I felt so lost without Mom. Years ago she'd given me a little gold angel pin from her collection. Regulations required me to wear it on the inside lapel of my uniform where no one could see it, but I knew Mom's angel was there even if Mom wasn't.

One particular flight, I fingered my pin to make sure it was secure. A passenger caught my eye, and I went over to help get her comfortable in her seat. Something about her made me wish I could settle into the seat right beside her. "Can I get you anything else? A pillow or a blanket?" I asked.

"Oh, no, dear," she said. "Your lovely smile is more than enough. I'll be fine."

Mom's angel was working overtime. A natural smile had returned to my face, thanks to this special passenger. I checked on her throughout the flight, bringing a cup of herbal tea and walking with her when she needed to stretch her legs. "You've been so kind," she said. "I want to give you this." Almost before I knew what she was doing, she pinned something on my uniform next to my name tag.

"You haven't told me your name," I said, admiring my new angel.

"Joanne," she said. Just like my mother.