In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the small acts of humility and kindness that can have a lasting impact. As a flight attendant, my days are filled with routine tasks: serving tea, offering meals, and ensuring passengers’ comfort. However, a recent encounter with an elderly farmer on a flight from Shanghai to Beijing profoundly changed my perspective on work and life.
An unassuming passenger
The flight was fully booked, and among the passengers was an elderly farmer easily overlooked by the crowd. He carried a large burlap sack with a distinct earthy smell of the countryside. I was surprised. How could a rural farmer afford a plane ticket? It seemed extravagant for him.
As the plane reached cruising altitude, I began serving drinks. When I reached the farmer, he sat rigidly in his seat, clutching his sack like a precious artifact. He refused any drinks or assistance with his bag, which he insisted on holding. His nervousness was palpable.
When meal service began, the farmer continued to refuse food or drink. Concerned, our chief attendant approached him gently. In a hushed voice, he revealed that he needed to use the restroom, but was afraid of damaging anything on the plane. We reassured him and guided him to the restroom.
Later, I noticed him watching other passengers drink water and lick his lips. Without asking, I poured him a cup of hot tea and placed it on his tray table. To my surprise, he jumped up, insisting he didn’t need it. He then pulled out a handful of small bills to pay for the tea. He explained that he had never been given anything for free and was often shooed away when asking for water during his long journey to the airport.
A father’s sacrifice
The farmer shared that he had two sons: one in college and one already working. His eldest son had bought him a plane ticket to visit his younger brother in Beijing. Despite his son’s insistence, the farmer refused to let him buy a second ticket, deeming it wasteful. He carried a sack of dried sweet potatoes, a treat for his younger son, and refused to check it in, fearing they would get damaged.
We offered him food multiple times throughout the flight, but he always declined. As the plane prepared to land, he asked for a bag to take his meal. He marveled at the quality of the food and wanted to save it for his son. We tried to pack extra meals for him, but he only accepted his portion as he did not want to take advantage of our kindness.
As the flight ended and passengers disembarked, the elderly farmer was the last to leave. We helped him with his sack, and as we did, he suddenly knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face. He thanked us profusely, expressing his gratitude for our kindness. He explained that they only ate one meal in his village daily, and he had never experienced such hospitality.
His gesture deeply moved us. In our line of work, we encounter all kinds of passengers, but this humble farmer’s gratitude and humility left an indelible mark on us.
A lesson in kindness for all
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become desensitized to the struggles of others. This encounter reminded me that small acts of kindness can profoundly impact. The farmer’s story is a testament to the enduring values of humility, gratitude, and selflessness — values that transcend time and culture.
As you navigate your life, remember to extend a helping hand, offer a kind word, and appreciate the simple joys. Doing so will enrich the lives of others and your own. This story is a powerful reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the richness of the human spirit.
Translated by Cynthia
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