In a story that will simultaneously warm and break your heart, a San Francisco, California man was able to say goodbye to his dying mother after United Airlines delayed the plane so he could make the flight.
To get to his mother in Lubbock, Texas, Kerry Drake only had 40 minutes to get off the United Airlines plane and on to his next connecting flight in Houston, Texas. When the first plane was delayed, Drake realized he wouldn't make it and immediately broke down into tears. He explained the situation to the crew on board, who consoled him and said they would do the best they could to help him get on his next flight.
The plane's captain ended up radioing the airport and the crew in Houston actually held the flight until Drake arrived. "I was still 20 yards away [from the gate] when I heard the gate agent say, 'Mr. Drake, we've been expecting you,' " Drake told CNN.
And the kind gestures didn't stop there. The Houston ground crew even made sure that his luggage arrived on time once he got to Lubbock! Isn't that amazing?!
Drake made it to the hospital in time to spend some time with his mother. Sadly, she died the next morning.
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Wow, what a great effort on the part of United personnel in this delicate matter. It just goes to show that there are still people in this world who are willing to lend a hand when needed. If only all airlines–and other companies for that matter–were as compassionate and caring!
I am just so glad to hear that Drake at least got the chance to say goodbye to his beloved mom. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to him and his family for their difficult loss.
Image via Getty Images
