Life Touches

Today I picked up a rider at the airport who was having one of her worst days.

She had been at the airport since 5am. Her flight was delayed, then cancelled because of a part that couldn't be flown in due to the wonderful weather Mother Nature bestowed on us.  It was so windy, icy a plane actually slid off the runway the night before and was still at its resting spot waiting on a crane.

So Ms S was stuck in Kansas.  Away from home in California. Missing her twins terribly and very sad because her family was in town to be with "Nana" who had just been moved to a new hospital and wasn't breathing well.  Not a good day.

I took her back to the hotel where her family was still camped out and on the way she talked to her twins who were back home and missing mom.  There were tearful explanations and apologies.  Everyone was so sad.

Sometimes when you drive a passenger you know that they were really in need.  And all you can do is empathize and offer your heartfelt condolences, hoping that things will turn around for them.  As we arrived at the hotel there was a mention of things happening for a reason and it was clear she didn't think her nana would last much longer.

This trip reminded me of the passenger I picked up last week who told me he had run (yes literally ran) from D concourse to B concourse in Dallas to make the flight and arrived in town just in time to get to the funeral as his 19 year old godson was laid to rest.  He said someone had to be watching over him because he had left from Japan where he was working less than 24 hours before.  Dropping him off I gave him my condolences and felt so bad for him yet thankful that I was able to help him get there in time.

So today, as I got Ms S's bag out of the car she said, "you are delightful and I hope to see you again when I need a ride back to the airport."  I asked if I could give her a hug (she looked like she could use one) and she hugged me tight.  I wished her well and hours later I am still thinking of her and her situation, hoping things improve and that she (and her family) will be comforted.

Being an Uber driver I am touched by everyone who sits in my car.  And at the same time I know that in some small way I have touched them as well.  Brief moments in time.... some I will never forget.