Sending a child off on their first flight can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, but if that child has autism, the anxiety can be even more pronounced. One mother decided to take a thoughtful approach when her son embarked on his inaugural plane journey. What she received in return from a kind stranger is a heartwarming reminder of the goodness that exists in the world.
On Facebook, mom Sarah Johnson shared her experience: “Today, my son Ethan took his first flight to visit his dad in California. I included a letter for whoever would sit beside him, explaining that he has high-functioning autism and might feel anxious, asking ‘are we there yet?’ frequently.” She kindly requested that the stranger help Ethan feel “safe and comfortable” during the flight and even enclosed $10 as a token of appreciation.
What happened next filled her heart with gratitude. The man seated next to Ethan, named Jack, reached out to Sarah after the flight, saying, “Hi, I’m Jack. I was seated next to Ethan on the flight to San Francisco. He did ask if we were there yet a few times, but he was an awesome travel buddy! We even played rock-paper-scissors together. You have a wonderful son, and I truly appreciate the $10, but I decided to donate it to Autism-Society.org in honor of Ethan.”
The Autism Society, as stated on their website, champions the cause of individuals with autism by advocating for their rights and helping them maximize their quality of life. They are a vital source of information and resources related to autism, research funding, and legislation that supports those affected.
Sarah expressed her immense gratitude for Jack’s kindness, stating, “I am so thankful to this person and to know there are still compassionate individuals out there who strive to make a difference.” She shared Jack’s note along with an adorable photo of them together on their flight. “Thank you so much, Jack!!!!”
Jack could have easily taken the money and remained indifferent during the flight, but instead, he chose to engage with Ethan, making the journey enjoyable and comfortable. Whether or not he is a parent himself, his kindness speaks volumes about his character.
In an inspiring twist, Sarah mentioned that they plan to keep in touch with Jack and even arrange a meet-up before Ethan returns home. We can’t wait to see more moments of joy shared between Ethan and Jack, as their friendship blossoms.
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Summary
A mother shared a touching story on Facebook about her son Ethan, who flew alone for the first time to visit his dad. Concerned about his autism, she wrote a note for his seatmate, asking for kindness. The stranger, Jack, not only engaged Ethan during the flight but also donated the money she sent to an autism charity. Their heartwarming connection is a testament to the kindness still present in the world.