When we landed in Omaha, I was greeted by a young man who was there to assist me in getting from the plane to the luggage area. As you all know I’ve been working do become completely independent in airports and explained to him, once I’d gotten myself to the top of the arrivals ramp that I thought I’d be okay. Now, I made this decision based on the fact that he had told me that it wasn’t far to the luggage area, but that there was a fairly long ramp between where I was and where I wanted to go. I asked him if it was a carpeted ramp and he told me that it was. I took a second and then said, “I\m going to give it a go on my own.” “Perfect,” he responded, then asked, “may I walk along with you as I’m headed that way myself.” I said sure.
I pushed along as he told us about Omaha, he’s incredibly proud of his city. We listened to him and followed him as he walked quickly and knew where he was going. We hit the bottom of the ramp. It was steep, it was very long, and the carpet was fairly thick. I pushed up and was stuck. There was no way I could get up by myself. No way at all. I told him that I was going to need his help and he said, “Oh, sure, no problem,” He was young and strong and had me at the top of the ramp in no time. He was still chatting, he didn’t even become winded with the effort.
Once at the top, before I could ask him to, he let go of me. The transition between his help and my independence was completely seamless. He walked a little further with us, and then wished us well. I made it to the luggage area in short order and we were soon ready to go.
I marveled at this kids ability to provide help in such a non intrusive way. He didn’t argue with me about my decision, he must have known the ramp, really a hill, would have been difficult for me to do, he just accepted my decision and made himself available if he was needed. He had no need to force his will or his opinion into my decision making process. When it turned out I did need his help he gave no hint of ‘I told you so,’ he just helped.
Amazing.
Amazing way to start my visit to Omaha where I will be speaking to direct support professionals. The best of that profession also happen to be the best at just being human.
Thanks to whoever hired this guy, good decision!
