So I believe in angels, and I believe they were aboard flight 3405 last night. They were with the little boy who's about to have the chance for a normal life with a new liver, just as they were on the ground with the other little boy whose tragic death in a car crash made the healthy liver available.
Those angels were with the young soldier who so humbly and wonderfully represented the 1,000,000 men and women of the U.S. military who let us sleep soundly, and who would never consider asking the sort of questions that preoccupy me because they're focused on keeping us safe from those who would do us harm.
And I believe those angels are with the flight attendant's warrior son, whose name is David, and with the just-buried mother of the woman across from me who tried to comfort that flight attendant.
Perhaps, on this Thanksgiving, inspired by what they showed me on last night's flight 3405, I plan to show them at least a glimpse of the better angels of my own human nature by giving thanks for my many blessings and by keeping in my thoughts and prayers our men and women in the military, and that little boy facing a liver transplant, and his family, and the woman who'd just lost her mother.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! (End of original column.)
And here are some excerpts from the many letters we received about the remarkable people and the better angels of their nature aboard Flight 3405. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and Happy New Year to the most wonderful readers in the world!
From Janet: "I am an avid follower of your column and have frequently shared your words of challenge and wisdom with my direct reports, but I just sent your Thanksgiving Angels column to my entire staff. We need to be aware of the good and the strong and the true, to be reminded of what is important, to be taken outside of ourselves ... and to be truly thankful. Thank you."
From David: " Thank you so very much for that inspiring missive. It literally brought tears to my eyes, and they're still there as I compose (as it were) this. And then I went to your blog for the first time - I'm not in IT, but I enjoy IW - and I saw your Veteran's Day post. Thank you from the stepfather of an intel officer (USNR) who will be spending most of her next 2 years in Afghanistan creating metrics for our counter-insurgency efforts there, and elsewhere."
From Andy: " What a fantastic story to start the holidays off - thanks for sharing!"
From George: "I, too, had a similar experience. Our flight had only one Army enlisted man on board. He entered the plane near the end of the line and proceeded to his seat in the rear. I noted that many of us watched him as the walked down the aisle, many of us nodding to him as he passed. He always smiled and returned our nods. Prior to the final landing announcements the senior flight attendant announced his presence and asked us to please allow him to be first off the plane and give him applause in appreciation of his service. Everyone near me did so with enthusiasm. As we passengers were making our customary rapid exit from the plane I noticed the flight attendant standing in the galley area doing the normal "Thanks for flying" routine. I approached her with my hand extended and said something to the effect . . . " Thank you for the kindness, we never received anything like that when returning from Viet Nam." She graciously took my hand, looked up at me and said "I lost a fiance in Viet Nam." We both tried to produce a smile through wetting eyes and mouthed a brief "Thank You". I know I shall long remember that flight."
From Mike: "I just read your piece "The Thanksgiving Angels of Flight 3405" and loved it. What it really shows is how many of us in the shadows have had or are dealing with issues that others may never know. Have a safe and rewarding holiday season."
From Ted: "Thank you so much for relating that heartwarming story. It isnt often we hear about the good things that happen these days. Every day I am very thankful for the service of our young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Not everyone is capable of or able to do what they do what they all volunteered to do. I know full well what each of them signs up for when they raise their hand to swear an oath to defend our great nation against all enemies foreign and domestic! My grandfather served in WW I, my father served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I served in Vietnam, the Cold War, and the Persian Gulf war. My son, US Army PFC, is now finishing his advanced training and will return to his unit at the end of this week. He will likely deploy in June. And yes, he does this willingly and completely of his own choice."
From Laura: "Thanks for the reminder of what to be thankful for and the uplifting stories for the folks you profiled. I especially enjoyed this article."
From Danny: "INCREDIBLE column!! Thank you for writing of something so worthwhile. I will be passing this around."
From Ted: "I have been a long time reader and many times have cut out articles to keep for one reason or another. But I will share your Thanksgiving with all of my family. Thank you."
From Jim: "Thank you for writing the article Thanksgiving Angels of Flight 3405. It was awesome, uplifting and inspiring."
From Todd: "Just read your article, The Thanksgiving Angels of Flight 3405. Didnt expect to be so touched by a story in a tech magazine. Good job - totally enjoyed it."
Bob Evans is senior VP and director of To find out more about Bob Evans, please visit his page. For more Global CIO perspectives, check out Global CIO, or write to Bob at [email protected]. |