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Flying is rarely a stress-free experience. Delayed flights, overcrowded airports, lost luggage, crying babies...it seems like everything that can go wrong will go wrong when it comes to flying.
Nowadays, people are much more familiar with Autism and the behavior can often be exhibited by people who have the condition, or even forms of it. However, just because are familiar with something, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they know how to act when the time comes. Pair this inexperience with a delayed flight, and you’re sure to have an unpleasant situation on your hands.
Such was the case for a couple on an international flight. Luckily, this duo was prepared to handle an overwhelmed child than most of us could ever imagine.
Bentzion Groner and his wife, Rochel, were on a fairly long flight after already having been delayed 3 hours. Needless to say, no one on the flight was in a particularly good mood, and just 1 hour into their travels, crisis ensued.
“So we just flew back to Charlotte, North Carolina...The connecting flight had been delayed 3 hrs. and everyone was tired.” Bentzion said.
About 1 hour into the flight, a young boy with Autism started to have a meltdown. He had become agitated and was crying uncontrollably, and other passengers were starting to get noticeably affected by it.
“His cries were heard throughout the plane and you could feel the tension among the other passengers.” Bentzion wrote in a blog post about the incident on July 14. “No one wanted to say anything but it was getting very uncomfortable.” he said.
Though Bentzion and his wife were not in the best of spirits themselves, Rochel decided to step in and help. She got up out of her seat on the plane and walked over the the young boy.
“After about 15 minutes, my wife Rochel Groner walked over to his seat by the window and put out her hand. He looked up and took it.” With 7 hours still left in their flight, Rochel knew that sitting around and being upset was not likely to solve the situation. She decided she would at least try to help the child in any way she could.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the child took it in return. Bentzion went on to explain what happened next.
“They walked together to the bulkhead where she sat rocking and playing with him for a couple hours.” he recalled.
“While most of the passengers watched on with awe, little did they know that for Rochel, this is her life...we're taught that if we just offer our hand in love and acceptance, miracles will follow.”
This story just goes to show that sometimes all anyone really needs is an outstretched hand, and a bit of patience. What do you think about this story?
