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Editor's note: Anonymous Thank Yous is a website that allows people to submit notes of gratitude to strangers who anonymously gave service. Michael McCarlie, its founder, contributes every other Wednesday. SALT LAKE CITY — Flying is such an uncomfortable experience, and tray tables are precious real estate that no one likes to share. Alison shared a story at anonymousthankyous.com about a young man who did just that.
This is what she said:
"I was flying home from SLC last week. I had my 7-month-old baby and of course the flight was sold out so there was no room to spare. It was an evening flight and everyone was tired. I got on the plane early to get situated, convinced I was going to have the toughest flight home with my active, but tired baby.
"Just as the plane was almost full, an 8-month pregnant woman took the seat across from me. She was very pregnant and there was little room for her. On top of that, she was traveling with her 22-month-old daughter, who was obviously very uncomfortable trying to fit in the seat with her mom.
"At that moment, it was hard to feel like I had the toughest ride ahead. Sitting next to the woman was a man in his 20s. He could see that this woman needed some relief. Even though his space was tight, he gave up his tray table to this woman's daughter to watch the little mermaid, store her snacks and share his seat.
"The flight attendants noticed and were surprised that anyone, and such an unlikely candidate like a young man, would do something like that when flying now is about as pleasant as a paper cut. It's every man for himself in the quest for space and comfort.
"Now that I have a child, small gestures to help a mom out never go unappreciated and are not forgotten, even when they're not directed at you."
Anonymous Thank Yous: Have you ever wanted to say thank you for something a stranger did? Tell us your story at anonymousthankyous.com or follow along at Facebook and Twitter.
