Mary on U.S. Airways

On one of my many flights this summer, I met Mary. Mary was one of the flight attendants (I think that is the PC term). She was probably the least attractive flight attendant I have ever seen. Her hair was frizzy, she had a large nose, scarred skin, and large glasses. With this being said, I couldn't help but notice her countenance. She was a real person and she was soaking with sincerity. When she talked to people, she wasn't overly polite. Believe it or not, I have had the opportunity to work with many people this summer who are the exact opposite; I never realized how much insincerity and fakeness bothered me.

I didn't get in a conversation with her; the only time I talked to her was when I was ordering my drink, so I didn't have much interaction with her, but I was still very impressed. As the flight was coming to an end, I felt as though I needed to communicate to her these thoughts and impressions that I had. I pulled out a piece of scratch paper and basically wrote--

Mary,

I just wanted to say thank you for who you are. In the two hours that I have been on this flight, I have noticed how genuine you are. I can tell that you have a sincere concern for others. Thank you for being so real, I truly appreciate it.

-Richie Uminski

As I was leaving the flight, she was standing in the back, so I reached past a few people and had someone pass it down to her. She looked confused as she opened the paper. As I was walking away, I heard her say, "That is so sweet." She then got on the intercom and said, "Thank you for the note. That really means a lot to me. That really is special."

It pretty much made my day. As sappy as this all may sound, I really was walking on clouds for the next few hours knowing that I was able to make someone's day a little brighter. I was just honestly appreciative to see someone who wasn't trying to be something that they weren't.