this story brought me to tears - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Courtnee · 02-01-2006, 05:45 PM

Right before the jetway door closed, I scrambled aboard the plane going from LA to Chicago, lugging my laptop and overstuffed briefcase. It was the first leg of an important business trip a few weeks before Christmas, and I was running late. I had a ton of work to catch up on. Half wishing, half praying I muttered, "Please God, do me a favor; let there be an empty seat next to mine, I don't need any distractions."
I was on the aisle in a two seat row. Across sat a businesswoman with her nose buried in a newspaper. No problem. But in the seat beside mine, next to the window, was a young boy wearing a big red tag around his neck: Minor Traveling Unattended.
The kid sat perfectly still, hands in his lap, eyes straight ahead. He'd probably been told never to talk to strangers. Good, I thought.

Then the flight attendant came by. "Michael, I have to sit down because we're about to take off," she said to the little boy. "This nice man will answer any of your questions, okay?"
Did I have a choice? I offered my hand, and Michael shook it twice, straight up and down.
"Hi, I'm Jerry," I said. "You must be about seven years old."

"I'll bet you don't have any kids," he responded.
"Why do you think that? Sure I do." I took out my wallet to show him pictures.
"Because I'm six."
"I was way off, huh?"
The captains' voice came over the speakers, "Flight attendants, prepare for takeoff."
Michael pulled his seat belt tighter and gripped the armrests as the jet engines roared.

I leaned over, "Right about now, I usually say a prayer. I asked God to keep the plane safe and to send angels to protect us."
"Amen," he said, then added, "but I'm not afraid of dying. I'm not afraid because my mama's already in Heaven."
"I'm sorry." I said.
"Why are you sorry?" he asked, peering out the window as the plane lifted off.
"I'm sorry you don't have your mama here."
My briefcase jostled at my feet, reminding me of all the work I needed to do.
"Look at those boats down there!" Michael said as the plane banked over the Pacific. "Where are they going?"
"Just going sailing, having a good time. And there's probably a fishing boat full of guys like you and me."

"Doing what?" he asked.
"Just fishing, maybe for bass or tuna. Does your dad ever take you fishing?"
"I don't have a dad," Michael sadly responded.
Only six years old and he didn't have a dad, and his Mom had died, and here he was flying halfway across the country all by himself. The least I could do was make sure he had a good flight. With my foot I pushed my briefcase under my seat.

"Do they have a bathroom here?" he asked, squirming a little.
"Sure," I said, "let me take you there."
I showed him how to work the "Occupied" sign, and what buttons to push on the sink, then he closed the door. When he emerged, he wore a wet shirt and a huge smile
"That sink shoots water everywhere!"
The attendants smiled.

Michael got the VIP treatment from the crew during snack time. I took out my laptop and tried to work on a talk I had to give, but my mind kept going to Michael. I couldn't stop looking at the crumpled grocery bag on the floor by his seat. He'd told me that everything he owned was in that bag. Poor kid.
While Michael was getting a tour of the cockpit the flight attendant told me his grandmother would pick him up in Chicago. In the seat pocket a large manila envelope held all the paperwork regarding his custody. He came back explaining, "I got wings! I got cards! I got more peanuts. I saw the pilot and he said I could come back anytime!"
For a while he stared at the manila envelope.
"What are you thinking?" I asked Michael.
He didn't answer. He buried his face in his hands and started sobbing. It had been years since I'd heard a little one cry like that. My kids were grown -- still I don't think they'd ever cried so hard. I rubbed his back and wondered where the flight attendant was.
"What's the matter buddy?" I asked.

All I got were muffled words "I don't know my grandma. Mama didn't want her to come visit and see her sick. What if Grandma doesn't want me? Where will I go?"
"Michael, do you remember the Christmas story? Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus? Remember how they came to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born? It was late and cold, and they didn't have anywhere to stay, no family, no hotels, not even hospitals where babies could be born. Well, God was watching out for them. He found them a place to stay; a stable with animals."

"Wait, wait," Michael tugged on my sleeve. "I know Jesus. I remember now." Then he closed his eyes, lifted his head and began to sing. His voice rang out with a strength that rocked his tiny frame. "Jeeesus looooves me--thiiiiiis I knowwwwwww. For the Biiiiiible tells meeeeee sooooo...."
Passengers turned or stood up to see the little boy who made the large sound. Michael didn't notice his audience. With his eyes shut tight and voice lifted high, he was in a good place.

"You've got a great voice," I told him when he was done. "I've never heard anyone sing like that."
"Mama said God gave me good pipes just like my grandma's," he said. "My grandma loves to sing, she sings in her church choir."
"Well, I'll bet you can sing there, too. The two of you will be running that choir."

The seat belt sign came on as we approached O'Hare. The flight attendant came by and said we just have a few minutes now, but she told Michael it's important that he put on his seat belt. People started stirring in their seats, like the kids before the final school bell. By the time the seat belt sign went off, passengers were rushing down the aisle. Michael and I stayed seated.
"Are you gonna go with me?" he asked.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world buddy!" I assured him.

Clutching his bag and the manila envelope in one hand, he grabbed my hand with the other. The two of us followed the flight attendant down the jetway. All the noises of the airport seemed to fill the corridor.
Michael stopped, flipping his hand from mine, he dropped to his knees. His mouth quivered. His eyes brimmed with tears.
"What's wrong Michael? I'll carry you if you want."

He opened his mouth and moved his lips, but it was as if his words were stuck in his throat. When I knelt next to him, he grabbed my neck. I felt his warm, wet face as he whispered in my ear, "I want my mama!"
I tried to stand, but Michael squeezed my neck even harder. Then I heard a rattle of footsteps on the corridor's metal floor.
"Is that you, baby?"
I couldn't see the woman behind me, but I heard the warmth in her voice.

"Oh baby," she cried. "Come here. Grandma loves you so much. I need a hug, baby. Let go of that nice man." She knelt beside Michael and me.
Michael's grandma stroked his arm. I smelled a hint of orange blossoms.
"You've got folks waiting for you out there, Michael. Do you know that you've got aunts, and uncles and cousins?"

She patted his skinny shoulders and started humming. Then she lifted her head and sang. I wondered if the flight attendant told her what to sing, or maybe she just knew what was right. Her strong, clear voice filled the passageway, "Jesus loves me -- this I know..."
Michael's gasps quieted. Still holding him, I rose, nodded hello to his grandma and watched her pick up the grocery bag. Right before we got to the doorway to the terminal, Michael loosened his grip around my neck and reached for his grandma.

As soon as she walked across the threshold with him, cheers erupted. From the size of the crowed, I figured family, friends, pastors, elders, deacons, choir members and most of the neighbors had come to meet Michael. A tall man tugged on Michael's ear and pulled off the red sign around his neck. It no longer applied.
As I made my way to the gate for my connecting flight, I barely noticed the weight of my overstuffed briefcase and laptop. I started to wonder who would be in the seat next to mine this time...And I smiled.
~By Jerry Seiden~

Chad Michael Murray · 02-01-2006, 05:52 PM

WOW! That was really a touching story. I felt so bad for poor little Michael. I'm glad everything worked out so well for him in the end, though!

Chocoholic · 02-01-2006, 06:00 PM

In this increasingly self-centered world, it is nice to read stories like that. Thanks for posting it

Jesus loves us.

Fonzarelli · 02-01-2006, 07:03 PM

When I read that title, I expected to find Bush' State of the Union here.

Chad Michael Murray · 02-01-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fonzarelli

When I read that title, I expected to find Bush' State of the Union here.

Okay, I'm not a fan of President Bush either, BUT...I will say this.

I think it's kind of out of line to bring up the opposite party or a political figure you don't approve of, every chance you get. The Politics board is for things like that.

I mean, I liked Bill Clinton, and I'm aware many people don't. I wouldn't want them to just go and make Clinton jokes every chance they got, no matter what the time or place was, so for that simple reason I don't do it about Bush or anybody else I don't approve of. Treat everyone the way you'd like to be treated, that's what I say.

Anyway, so yeah, that's just my two cents.

Fonzarelli · 02-01-2006, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Michael Murray

Okay, I'm not a fan of President Bush either, BUT...I will say this.

I think it's kind of out of line to bring up the opposite party or a political figure you don't approve of, every chance you get. The Politics board is for things like that.

I mean, I liked Bill Clinton, and I'm aware many people don't. I wouldn't want them to just go and make Clinton jokes every chance they got, no matter what the time or place was, so for that simple reason I don't do it about Bush or anybody else I don't approve of. Treat everyone the way you'd like to be treated, that's what I say.

Anyway, so yeah, that's just my two cents.

It was a joke.

Or do I *have* to put this:

behind every remark I make?

Chad Michael Murray · 02-01-2006, 07:16 PM

...well yes, I'm aware that it was intended to be a joke.

What I'm trying to say is, if somebody had made the exact same joke about a political figure that you support, no matter what, I have a feeling it would have sent you into an uproar.

And again, before you think it, I'm not a supporter of Bush. Just a supporter of keeping the peace.

EmoJoe · 02-01-2006, 08:43 PM

thats sad

Ireneparalegal · 02-02-2006, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Michael Murray

...well yes, I'm aware that it was intended to be a joke.

What I'm trying to say is, if somebody had made the exact same joke about a political figure that you support, no matter what, I have a feeling it would have sent you into an uproar.

And again, before you think it, I'm not a supporter of Bush. Just a supporter of keeping the peace.

Well said my brother!

The story is sad, and yet uplifting. I like these stories.

~*Hannah_Lee*~ · 02-02-2006, 02:04 AM

Aww, that was so sad and sweet.

MsOrange · 02-02-2006, 11:53 AM

i've got goosebumps

Fonzarelli · 02-02-2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Michael Murray

...well yes, I'm aware that it was intended to be a joke.

What I'm trying to say is, if somebody had made the exact same joke about a political figure that you support, no matter what, I have a feeling it would have sent you into an uproar.

No, 'cause I know this is not the Politics board and I can take a joke. I love a good Clinton-joke too.

But anyway, if I offended anyone: I apologize.

Coffeecup · 02-02-2006, 09:29 PM

I had tears in my eyes. I bet there are many Michaels in this world. Both pareent out of the picture. Left to brought up by grandparents. I saw a show about Jamie Foxx and he was brought up by his grandparents.

TheGreatPretender · 02-02-2006, 10:50 PM

Good story.

02-01-2006, 05:45 PM	#1
Courtnee MAN VS SAMMICH. Forum Star Join Date: Mar 23, 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 16,413	this story brought me to tears Right before the jetway door closed, I scrambled aboard the plane going from LA to Chicago, lugging my laptop and overstuffed briefcase. It was the first leg of an important business trip a few weeks before Christmas, and I was running late. I had a ton of work to catch up on. Half wishing, half praying I muttered, "Please God, do me a favor; let there be an empty seat next to mine, I don't need any distractions." I was on the aisle in a two seat row. Across sat a businesswoman with her nose buried in a newspaper. No problem. But in the seat beside mine, next to the window, was a young boy wearing a big red tag around his neck: Minor Traveling Unattended. The kid sat perfectly still, hands in his lap, eyes straight ahead. He'd probably been told never to talk to strangers. Good, I thought. Then the flight attendant came by. "Michael, I have to sit down because we're about to take off," she said to the little boy. "This nice man will answer any of your questions, okay?" Did I have a choice? I offered my hand, and Michael shook it twice, straight up and down. "Hi, I'm Jerry," I said. "You must be about seven years old." "I'll bet you don't have any kids," he responded. "Why do you think that? Sure I do." I took out my wallet to show him pictures. "Because I'm six." "I was way off, huh?" The captains' voice came over the speakers, "Flight attendants, prepare for takeoff." Michael pulled his seat belt tighter and gripped the armrests as the jet engines roared. I leaned over, "Right about now, I usually say a prayer. I asked God to keep the plane safe and to send angels to protect us." "Amen," he said, then added, "but I'm not afraid of dying. I'm not afraid because my mama's already in Heaven." "I'm sorry." I said. "Why are you sorry?" he asked, peering out the window as the plane lifted off. "I'm sorry you don't have your mama here." My briefcase jostled at my feet, reminding me of all the work I needed to do. "Look at those boats down there!" Michael said as the plane banked over the Pacific. "Where are they going?" "Just going sailing, having a good time. And there's probably a fishing boat full of guys like you and me." "Doing what?" he asked. "Just fishing, maybe for bass or tuna. Does your dad ever take you fishing?" "I don't have a dad," Michael sadly responded. Only six years old and he didn't have a dad, and his Mom had died, and here he was flying halfway across the country all by himself. The least I could do was make sure he had a good flight. With my foot I pushed my briefcase under my seat. "Do they have a bathroom here?" he asked, squirming a little. "Sure," I said, "let me take you there." I showed him how to work the "Occupied" sign, and what buttons to push on the sink, then he closed the door. When he emerged, he wore a wet shirt and a huge smile "That sink shoots water everywhere!" The attendants smiled. Michael got the VIP treatment from the crew during snack time. I took out my laptop and tried to work on a talk I had to give, but my mind kept going to Michael. I couldn't stop looking at the crumpled grocery bag on the floor by his seat. He'd told me that everything he owned was in that bag. Poor kid. While Michael was getting a tour of the cockpit the flight attendant told me his grandmother would pick him up in Chicago. In the seat pocket a large manila envelope held all the paperwork regarding his custody. He came back explaining, "I got wings! I got cards! I got more peanuts. I saw the pilot and he said I could come back anytime!" For a while he stared at the manila envelope. "What are you thinking?" I asked Michael. He didn't answer. He buried his face in his hands and started sobbing. It had been years since I'd heard a little one cry like that. My kids were grown -- still I don't think they'd ever cried so hard. I rubbed his back and wondered where the flight attendant was. "What's the matter buddy?" I asked. All I got were muffled words "I don't know my grandma. Mama didn't want her to come visit and see her sick. What if Grandma doesn't want me? Where will I go?" "Michael, do you remember the Christmas story? Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus? Remember how they came to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born? It was late and cold, and they didn't have anywhere to stay, no family, no hotels, not even hospitals where babies could be born. Well, God was watching out for them. He found them a place to stay; a stable with animals." "Wait, wait," Michael tugged on my sleeve. "I know Jesus. I remember now." Then he closed his eyes, lifted his head and began to sing. His voice rang out with a strength that rocked his tiny frame. "Jeeesus looooves me--thiiiiiis I knowwwwwww. For the Biiiiiible tells meeeeee sooooo...." Passengers turned or stood up to see the little boy who made the large sound. Michael didn't notice his audience. With his eyes shut tight and voice lifted high, he was in a good place. "You've got a great voice," I told him when he was done. "I've never heard anyone sing like that." "Mama said God gave me good pipes just like my grandma's," he said. "My grandma loves to sing, she sings in her church choir." "Well, I'll bet you can sing there, too. The two of you will be running that choir." The seat belt sign came on as we approached O'Hare. The flight attendant came by and said we just have a few minutes now, but she told Michael it's important that he put on his seat belt. People started stirring in their seats, like the kids before the final school bell. By the time the seat belt sign went off, passengers were rushing down the aisle. Michael and I stayed seated. "Are you gonna go with me?" he asked. "I wouldn't miss it for the world buddy!" I assured him. Clutching his bag and the manila envelope in one hand, he grabbed my hand with the other. The two of us followed the flight attendant down the jetway. All the noises of the airport seemed to fill the corridor. Michael stopped, flipping his hand from mine, he dropped to his knees. His mouth quivered. His eyes brimmed with tears. "What's wrong Michael? I'll carry you if you want." He opened his mouth and moved his lips, but it was as if his words were stuck in his throat. When I knelt next to him, he grabbed my neck. I felt his warm, wet face as he whispered in my ear, "I want my mama!" I tried to stand, but Michael squeezed my neck even harder. Then I heard a rattle of footsteps on the corridor's metal floor. "Is that you, baby?" I couldn't see the woman behind me, but I heard the warmth in her voice. "Oh baby," she cried. "Come here. Grandma loves you so much. I need a hug, baby. Let go of that nice man." She knelt beside Michael and me. Michael's grandma stroked his arm. I smelled a hint of orange blossoms. "You've got folks waiting for you out there, Michael. Do you know that you've got aunts, and uncles and cousins?" She patted his skinny shoulders and started humming. Then she lifted her head and sang. I wondered if the flight attendant told her what to sing, or maybe she just knew what was right. Her strong, clear voice filled the passageway, "Jesus loves me -- this I know..." Michael's gasps quieted. Still holding him, I rose, nodded hello to his grandma and watched her pick up the grocery bag. Right before we got to the doorway to the terminal, Michael loosened his grip around my neck and reached for his grandma. As soon as she walked across the threshold with him, cheers erupted. From the size of the crowed, I figured family, friends, pastors, elders, deacons, choir members and most of the neighbors had come to meet Michael. A tall man tugged on Michael's ear and pulled off the red sign around his neck. It no longer applied. As I made my way to the gate for my connecting flight, I barely noticed the weight of my overstuffed briefcase and laptop. I started to wonder who would be in the seat next to mine this time...And I smiled. ~By Jerry Seiden~
	__________________ Whether I'm the rose of sheer perfection A freckle on the nose of life's complexion The Cinderella or the shine apple of its eye I gotta fly once, I gotta try once, Only can die once, right, sir? Ooh, life is juicy, juicy and you see, I gotta have my bite, sir. Get ready for me love, 'cause I'm a "comer" I simply gotta march, my heart's a drummer Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade

02-01-2006, 05:52 PM	#2
Chad Michael Murray Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 23, 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,493	WOW! That was really a touching story. I felt so bad for poor little Michael. I'm glad everything worked out so well for him in the end, though!
	__________________ "I think that I’m definitely connected to my sensitive side. I pretty much wear my emotions on my sleeves for the people in my life." --Chad Michael Murray

02-01-2006, 07:03 PM	#4
Fonzarelli Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 19, 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,996	When I read that title, I expected to find Bush' State of the Union here.
	__________________ Dennis Kucinich '08!

02-01-2006, 08:43 PM	#8
EmoJoe Cool cool cool Forum Addict Join Date: Apr 23, 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 71,478	thats sad
	__________________ "I know the difference between TV and reality, Jeff. TV has structure, it makes sense, there are likable leading men. In real life, we have this. We have you." - Abed Nadir, Community www.sitcomsarestupid.blogspot.com

02-02-2006, 02:04 AM	#10
~Hannah_Lee~ Let's dance in style Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 09, 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,358	Aww, that was so sad and sweet.
	__________________ Some are like water, some are like the heat Some are a melody and some are the beat. Sooner or later they all will be gone. Why don't they stay young? It's so hard to get old without a cause. I don't want to perish like a fleeing horse. Youth is like diamonds in the sun, And diamonds are forever. Forever young, I want to be forever young. Do you really want to live forever?

02-01-2006, 06:00 PM	#3
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	In this increasingly self-centered world, it is nice to read stories like that. Thanks for posting it Jesus loves us.

02-01-2006, 07:16 PM	#7
Chad Michael Murray Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 23, 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,493	...well yes, I'm aware that it was intended to be a joke. What I'm trying to say is, if somebody had made the exact same joke about a political figure that you support, no matter what, I have a feeling it would have sent you into an uproar. And again, before you think it, I'm not a supporter of Bush. Just a supporter of keeping the peace.

02-02-2006, 11:53 AM	#11
MsOrange Bringin' Sexy Back Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 6,133	i've got goosebumps

02-02-2006, 09:29 PM	#13
Coffeecup coffeecup. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 17, 2003 Location: snoozeville Posts: 3,183	I had tears in my eyes. I bet there are many Michaels in this world. Both pareent out of the picture. Left to brought up by grandparents. I saw a show about Jamie Foxx and he was brought up by his grandparents.

02-02-2006, 10:50 PM	#14
TheGreatPretender just because Forum Veteran Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: Trying to think of a creative, witty location. Posts: 7,628	Good story.