Airports are fast-paced places where everyone is in a hurry, looking and listening for departure or arrival announcements, constantly checking their watches to make sure they will make it to their gates on time. Imagine being autistic and traveling alone among all this hassle- sounds quite uncomfortable, right?
When Shaina Murry arrived at Dallas- Fort Worth International Airport to catch her flight home after a long journey, all she wanted to do was just get over with the flight and get to her husband as soon as possible. While walking in the airport, she noticed a man lying on the floor. At first glance, she knew something was wrong, but she had no idea what that could be.
So she approached him and asked him a few questions. From the answers she got, she deemed it necessary to call medical assistance for the stranger. In the meantime, she kneeled next to him, keeping him company and comforting him until help arrived. While waiting, the man kept telling her that he was afraid he was going to miss his flight, and, apparently, this was something that caused him distress.
By that time, Murry had started thinking that the stranger might be autistic. She soon found his mother’s number and called her to let her know that Will, as Murry said his name was, wasn’t feeling well and waiting for airport medical assistance. During that phone call, Will’s mother also confirmed that he was indeed autistic.
The young woman decided not to leave Will’s side until all this was over. She worked with the medical assistance and American Airlines to make sure he would be fine and he wouldn’t miss his flight. However, this caused her to miss her own flight. In fact, she delayed her flight, catching another one back home, free of charge as she explained in a Facebook post where she shared the whole experience.
The paramedics that came to the man’s assistance suggested he have something to eat and drink, but they were afraid he might feel sick again, so they weren’t sure it was safe for him to travel. Shaina decided to grab lunch with him and have a chat so that she could calm him down and make him feel better. And so she did. The two grabbed lunch and chatted about their families- Will shared with Shaina that he had a mom and sister whom he adored. Through communication with his mother, Shaina also found out that she also loved her son as much as he did.
Eventually, both Will and Shaina boarded their flights and the story had a happy ending. Shaina decided to post her experience on Facebook, in order to let people know that it is okay, or rather, vital, to help others around us in need whenever possible, even if at the time it looks like we are sacrificing our time/money. In the end, the satisfaction you get from having made someone’s day better is priceless.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
