Life is short: Be mindful and show more kindness and love
Recently, while waiting for a flight, the gate agent announced we were delayed because they were loading the body of a fallen soldier. I watched as Delta tarmac employees in their neon safety vests came marching in with flags to form an impromptu color guard. I watched a red and white striped baggage tram bring the casket to the plane. I watched the captain and co-pilot shake hands with the uniformed soldier escorting the body. I watched my fellow travelers stand in silence, many with their hands over their hearts and very few without tears.
The agent then announced that the uniformed escort was the young man's father. Not a dry eye on the concourse.
When we boarded, the grieving father sat in the row in front of me. I thanked him for his service and for his son's sacrifice, not really knowing what to do or say but wanting to say something. A man from the first class cabin came back and asked the father if he would please take his seat. When we deplaned, we were met with a full Air Force honor guard. The captain and co-pilot were there on the tarmac with the family. There were tears all the way to baggage claim.
So why write about this experience? It brought home to me that in my busy day-to-day life, I rarely think about those brave soldiers who are fighting in the name of my country. These soldiers are our children and grandchildren. They are parents and spouses and brothers and sisters putting themselves in harm's way. Politics aside, I want to remind myself that there are young people dying for this country every day. I need to remember and honor that.
I want to thank the folks at Delta Airlines. As a frequent flyer, it's easy to focus on the things they don't do well. Kudos to all the Delta employees involved in this difficult duty. I want to thank that man who gave up his first class seat.
May we all find more ways to exhibit random acts of kindness in our daily lives. I also want to encourage you to hug your adult children a little closer when you see them and tell them that you love them. Watching that grieving father escort his son home reminded me that I need to let my son and grandchildren know at every opportunity how much they mean to me.
May we all be more mindful of what's going on in our world. May we exhibit more kindness in our daily lives. May we express openly our love and gratitude to those who are important to us. Life is short and it can turn on a dime.
An experienced business executive and organizational consultant, Jan Flynn teaches at the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business at Georgia College & State University.
This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 2:05 PM with the headline "Life is short: Be mindful and show more kindness and love ."