5am. I'm asked to step aside and "consolidate my belongings". I was clutching a blanket. My bags were full. I knelt on the ground under the watchful eye of the gate attendant. Tears. Not a big deal. But still tears.
Somehow I managed to cram my soft blanket in my overstuffed suitcase. But the plane was boarded. I walked alone onto the plane. Feeling exposed.
30 mins later and I'm distracting myself with a movie and hot cofee. Emotions are leveling out with a snack and caffeine. Holding my phone in one hand and juggling my coffee and snakc in another.
A hand taps me on the shoulder. A small Southwest branded plastic cloud is placed in my lap. The flight attendant points to my phone, smiles. I realize it's a little phone stand.
Maybe it would mean nothing to the average person. But to me it was everything. Tears. Not a big deal. But still tears.
I propped my phone, sipped my coffee, ate my snack. Feeling seen.
Don't ever underestimate noticing. Pay attention. The smallest gesture can literally change the trajectory of someone's day.
