A Tiny Gesture Speaks Volumes

Have you missed me? 

I received a call on February 13th that my father was suddenly very ill and I left my home, children and business without a backward glance.  A lover of technology, I hung up the phone and immediately went to my computer to find the first available flight out but it was the Friday of Valentines Weekend and every flight was booked.  I pleaded with one airline customer service representative after another but none could help me.

Desperate, I called a friend who recommended I call Jean at Will Travel in Akron for help.  Jean found a Frontier flight to Phoenix connecting in Denver with a long layover.  She informed me there was an earlier Denver/Phoenix flight and suggested I go to the ticket counter and ask to be put on stand by.  Jean was wonderfully supportive.  I went to the airport and explained my situation to the agent.

I pride myself in professionalism at all costs, but I couldn’t help the tears that fell as I begged Merl Lynn to please get me to my father in time.  Just like Santa, she went to work without saying a word.  She worked her magic and printed out my boarding pass.  And then she leaned across the counter and took my hand.  She didn’t say a thing.  But she squeezed my hand and made eye contact.  While holding my hand, she gave a little nod and one more squeeze.

I knew that she was sending me on my way with prayers and hopes that my Dad would hang on until I could get there. 

That single squeeze and the tenderness in her eyes let me know she understood the urgency.  She understood my fear.  She understood the importance of my journey.

It was that single squeeze that held me together until I arrived at the hospital.  My Dad had stablized and I had a few wonderful days to hold and squeeze his hand, to make eye contact and to share words of love. 

He passed away on February 19.  I miss him terribly.  But I am so grateful for the tiny gesture that Merl Lynn offered, the assistance and advice from Jean and the prayers and well wishes and comforting thoughts that so many people along the way offered to me and my entire family. 

We never know when a tiny gesture may be the difference between life and death.  We just never know how our actions, or inactions, impact those we encounter. 

I would encourage you to make every gesture count.