I debated writing this story since it is so fresh , but i will try.
I left on a three week trip this past Sunday to Europe . I flew out from Newark to Helsinki with a plane switch in Amsterdam. Upon landing I heard my name being paged over the planes PA to see a Delta crew member before disembarking. I was not up to the skywalk yet when I was paged again. I was completely baffled as to what was going on. I approached a Delta crew member and showed her my passport. She stated ” In need to talk to you” . Ok, I proceeded and followed her on the skywalk and asked what this was about . ” please follow me ” I became agitated and asked what this was all about ?! She looked at me and calmly stated to me ” Your brother has called us , your mother has passed away” I was leveled and was there beginning to cry on the skywalk as passengers passed by . The Delta crew member was kind and held my arm and walked me to the terminal where they had a Chaplain awaiting me. I was shattered, my mother was in great health and I had spoken to her 2 days ago. The Chaplain at Schipol gave me her personal cell phone to make a call to my brother as my cell was not working in Holland. Delta crew members had already got me on a flight to JFK in less than 2 hours . I was offered a place to shower , given coffee , water, internet, and anything else. I tweeted out, I was alone and many people replied in support. Delta, KLM and the personel at Schipol could not have been more helpful . I was back in the US shortly to tend to this personal matter. These people had gone out of there way to help someone they didn’t know, but knew needed help… I don’t know how to thank everyone who was involved in this matter . But it gave me a feeling of humanity.
Pola (@jettingaround) says
Speechless… Thank you for sharing that story, it can’t have been easy. It’s uplifting to know that when you need it, support and a kind word can be found in the most unexpected places. Delta/KLM did wonderfully… Hang in there, I’m very sorry for your loss.
lola says
I’m SO SORRY!! how awful. i hope you are doing ok. it’s never a good time to deal with death. you are in my thoughts!! 🙂
Raul (@ilivetotravel) says
Karl, thank you for sharing this. I am so very sorry for your loss and that you learned about your Mom’s passing while alone – my heart goes out to you. Be well, bud.