Parent by Example
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
By: Michelle Wiginton

I flew to Northern Palm Beach, Florida last week to help a friend with her first Just Between Friends children's consignment sales event. It was great...I bought four (2 long sleeved/2 short sleeved) Ralph Lauren shirts for my nephew for only $15!!! Yes, I was tickled.

I think it is important to help others, but also let our children see us doing these things. I have always taken my son to give blood, drop off food during the death of a friend, volunteer work and simply opening doors for others, helping an elderly woman load her groceries or helping somone find their way if they are not familiar with the language or the local geography. These are all forms of giving.

On the last leg of my flight home, I was sitting next to a large, older woman who got to her seat with the aid of a cane. She had to get an extender for her seatbelt and she looked exhausted. I tried to buoy her spirits by chatting about the reason for her trip, etc.

About 30 minutes from our scheduled landing, my seat "neighbor" leaned forward and said she felt sick. I offered to get her a air sick bag, but she said it was not that kind of sick. I asked her if she had a headache or could I assist her in any way and she said, "I'm not even sure what's wrong."

I asked about her medical issues, was she a diabetic. She told me no three times, but then said she was pre-diabetic. By this time, she had slumped back in her seat and I thought she was just resting. However, I continued to watch her and her hands started jumping, then her chest started jerking erratically and I asked her if she was feeling any better...no response.

I shook her, patted her, held her hand...no response. I called for the stewards, requested orange juice and continued to speak louder in an attempt to rouse her. Thankfully, there was a young MD on board and he came forward and offered his services...the orange juice arrived and I tenderly "forced" it into the woman, sip-by-sip. Talking and comforting, while assisting the doctor with his assessment. (this is no small feat when you're already crammed into a sardine-like seat 20,000 feet in the air)

After a few minutes, the juice hit her bloodstream and she was able to open her eyes. More orange juice, cold compresses, an exploration of her purse for other medications/cues to her medical condition. Kind words, a stranger's hand holding another in support, calm plans to make an emergency landing.

We were in the second seat, so the rest of the plane saw what was going on. There were no race distinctions, just several caring people tenderly caring for another human being. So many are afraid to reach out because they might get sued, but too many miss the blessings of helping and serving others.

When the plane landed, we were able to get the lady into the ambulance. I had requested her family be called to the info desk, so they would know where she went and could pick up her luggage and take it to the hospital. I made sure the paramedics took her cane, so she could walk out of the hospital. And, I was thankful that I was in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude and experience to be able to help someone else.

I saw some little faces peeking above and around the seats behind us and I felt good about the example that I had set during that flight. We can all make a difference in the lives of others, but many choose not to and that is sad because we are all setting examples for our children when we do that. The next time you have the opportunity to help someone, consider doing it. You never know who might be watching...and, some day, that young, impressionable person might be just the person you will need to help you.

Comments

Love this reminder about caring for others. God put you there as that "seat neighbor" just for her :) Thanks Michelle

Katy, Sunday, November 29, 2009

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You are awesome Michelle! So grateful for you!

Sandy Jameson, Sunday, November 29, 2009

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