(One of the things I have been most grateful for as a flight attendant is the fact that I have met— and become friends with— some of the most amazing and inspiring humans I could ever imagine. This is a tribute to one of those people who I was lucky to meet and am lucky to be friends with. It’s personal. It’s special. It makes me smile.
Remember to pay attention to the people you fly, because you never know when and how one will change your world).
Almost a year ago exactly, you sat— 1F. I rarely would work in the premium cabin, but that day, I did. There were ten hours during the flight to talk with you, but I waited until only five more remained. Thankfully, five minutes was enough for that quick and comfortable conversation to develop; a style of which I have sense learned is so signature to your intense and intelligent mind— a naturally choreographed banter, signature to most of our interactions.
You had me by your mystery, and somehow, I intrigued you with my curiousity. I would never want to work for you, or with you, as my sensitive spirit would be crushed by your harsh and directive workplace nature. I know this for I can see it in the way you talk and work; your drive, ambition, and the unrelenting way that you believe any problem can be solved and any soul can be saved. This determined nature is coupled with a soft-side of care and concern. You are a multi-layered mystery (as any Lover should be).
You told me today— as both a joke and the truth— ”Happy Anniversary, Lover.” The memories of the past year of London layovers, and catching you away from the hospital or helicopter, tickled my face in the form of a smile. I have never met anyone with a such an ability to detach and direct— holding an emotional distance from trauma and chaos— and yet empathetically caring and connecting to every person who you save. You are talent. You impact the world. You are quite simply; amazing.
If we were in the same city, I’ve said I couldn’t date you. You work so much, and I’m afraid I would move from an exciting and unattainable unknown to a needy counterpart. Sometimes distance is a beautiful thing, but it has been too many distant months since I sat across from you at afternoon tea at the Dorchester Hotel, or gazed out over London from the 54th floor of The Shard. Still, you spoil me. You inspire me. You have me thankful for an unexpected friendship and rock-solid source of encouragement and advice. It was a good decision I made to noisily ask you on that flight one-year ago, “Why were you there? Were you at Tech Week? What are you doing? Who are you?”
Because, Happy Anniversary, Lover. We’re a lucky two I would say, or maybe it’s me who should feel lucky (as you never fly budget).
You are irreplaceable. Keep changing the world.
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