As Heather Gooch and her husband fastened up their seat belts on flight, they were a little uneasy about their nine-month-old baby flying. Gooch explains on Facebook that it was Aiden’s first trip, but it was made extra special thanks to the kindness of someone they didn’t even know. Her post reads, in part:
“Dear Southwest, I’m hoping you can share this post so that I can be sure that it finds its way to a very special Southwest flight attendant. All I know about her is that her name is Anisse. My husband and 9 month old son were flying from Fort Lauderdale back home to Islip, NY on 12/28. This was my son’s first trip so we weren’t sure how things would go. Anisse went above and beyond to make sure that the trip went as smoothly as possible. I have NEVER had a flight attendant as kind and as helpful as she was. My son adored her and kept looking for her as she passed by. At one point, she saw that he was looking for her and getting ancy so she came and picked him up and walked up and down the aisle with him while my husband and I ate our lunch.
Although this may not be a story that stands out from the rest, I wanted to thank her and let her know how appreciated she is. We so often hear about the negative things going on so I wanted to share this story of a someone who made my trip a little brighter. Please help this get to her!”
It didn’t take long for one of Anissa’s coworkers to see the post on Southwest’s Facebook page and email it to the compassionate flight attendant.
Her response confirms she must be the kind-hearted woman who helped create a wonderful memory for the Gooch family:
Ironically enough, the story that Heather doubted would “stand out” in such a negative news cycle, ended up a viral sensation.
The next time you hear a fussy baby on a plane, hopefully you’re inspired by Anissa’s actions to respond with patience and love.
