Passenger overhears soldiers whispering on plane – then buys them all lunch
An act of kindness carries extra collateral kindness. The ripple effect can be beautiful, influencing lives in immeasurable, unforeseen ways.
Passenger Denny Kukich felt the power of a single, simple act of kindness on a recent passenger flight. Denny’s gesture forms the basis of a touching story. The entirety of the experience is documented on Facebook. Denny recalls that day’s trip east:
“Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.”
A group of ten soldiers occupied the group of seats nearest Denny.
“‘Where are you headed?’ I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. ‘Petawawa. We’ll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we’re being deployed to Afghanistan.'”
About an hour into the flight, announcements were made regarding available $5 sack lunches. Denny had worked up an appetite and knew the meal would “help pass the time.”
Denny overheard some soldiers admitting that the lunches likely aren’t worth the cost, and that they will be skipping the meal.
“I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. ‘Take a lunch to all those soldiers.’ She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. ‘My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it’s almost like you are doing it for him.'”
“Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, ‘Which do you like best – beef or chicken?’
‘Chicken,’ I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
‘This is your thanks..'”
Denny’s random act of kindness apparently kicked off a chain of compassion. The free meal was only the beginning.
The Flight Captain even proceeded down the walking aisle of the plane to personally thank Denny, extending his hand for a shake.
“With a booming voice he said, ‘I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.’ I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.”
“Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. ‘It will take you some time to reach the base.. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'”
Denny’s recollection is riddled with wise words:
“A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America ‘ for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.'”
A single act of kindness carries collateral kindness, rippling out like rings of water on a pond. All it takes is a little concentrated thoughtfulness and compassion. Denny certainly brightened the day of countless passengers on a recent trip east. As a result, the love made its way back. Like Denny, attempt to reach out to those around you and express your gratitude. You never know where that kindness may end up – it may very well find its way back to you in droves.
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Source: Shareably, Love What Matters