**A Flight that Changed My Life**
What I thought would be a routine flight turned into a life-changing experience. It all began with a crumpled note and ten dollars, but it led to a lifelong bond.
I was returning home to visit family when I noticed a young boy, around ten, sitting alone next to me, visibly nervous. As we took off, he handed me a note along with a ten-dollar bill. The note explained that he had autism, was nervous, and that his mom hoped I’d be patient with him. Feeling a surge of empathy, I texted his mom to reassure her that I’d look out for him.
Throughout the flight, I engaged him gently, using the ten dollars to buy him snacks and answering his questions about the journey. I even took a selfie to show his mom how he was doing, which made her immensely grateful. By the end of the flight, he was visibly more relaxed.
After landing, he asked if I’d walk with him to meet his mom. At baggage claim, his mother greeted him with an emotional hug. I thanked her for her trust and, feeling a spark between us, asked if she’d like to grab coffee sometime. She agreed.
As I got to know Diane better, I learned about her dedication as a single mom and the challenges her son, Elliot, had overcome. Two years later, that little boy is now my stepson, and Diane, my wife. What began as a chance encounter on a flight became the best journey of my life.
