Story from Columbia.

Wanna hear a story? I just heard it and found it interesting. It’s about the two kids of Pablo Ximenez, a graduate from Columbia University. He has two children with him at Gate 3 and their names are Juliana, and Juan Carlos. They are sweet little blond haired blue eyed kids doing their homework at the children’s table behind the ticket counter. They are on their way to Minnesota. How did I find all of this out you ask?
Well, Pablo needed to go to the bathroom, so he looked over to the most harmless looking person sitting in the terminal named Mary, and asked her if she could watch his kids for just a few minutes. As he was walking away he said that they should be no trouble as they are doing their homework anyway.

Once he left, Mary asked what kind of homework they were doing. Juliana said she was doing math Shapes and Juan Carlos the younger one said he was doing spelling. Then Mary asked if either of the children needed help, and Juliana said, “no. I’m almost through.” And then in a Child like FYI she said, “We’re going to Minnesota for a funeral.” The area I’m sitting at has about 9 women of various ages and one or two men including myself. There was an immediate “Awwww. I’m sorry.” Juliana then said sadly holding back tears, “My grandpa died.” Another “Awwww. I’m sorry.” Follows. Then Juan Carlos says, “he’s in heaven now.” Then, almost in unison, each of the women, and me too a little bit, say, “yes he is.”

Then they went back to their school work. I then watched the women in the area, and at least one man, start to dry their eyes collectively. When the dad came back, many of the people at that gate gave their condolences. Pablo was taken aback by the kindness, and was maybe to a lesser degree uncomfortable with the attention. He said thank you and they were off to their gate.

To say the very least, it amazing to see the little microcosms of life in an airport. I don’t know if it “Takes a Village”, but it is nice to see random acts of kindness in complete strangers.
Have a great day.