When a 96-year-old woman expressed fear of flying, the “flight angel” sitting next to her offered a helping hand.

Megan Ashley, a passenger across the aisle, witnessed the incident and documented it on Facebook. She was flying from San Diego (SAN) to Nashville (BNA) on Southwest and noticed a 96-year-old woman who had not flown in 15 years.

The elderly lady asked to hold her seatmate’s hand during takeoff and hugged him tightly when the flight got a bit bumpy. The unidentified gentleman was gracious and magnanimous throughout the flight and even after. Ashely described what he did:

This gentleman I should say, gladly took her hand, let her hold onto him, calmed her by talking to her and explaining everything that was happening, and simply was that stranger there for her. He knew just what to do the entire flight to help. He helped her stand up to go to the restroom and watched her carefully walk down the aisle. It made me smile the whole flight as he comforted her. This man was her flight angel. He held her bag, helped her get off the plane and into the wheelchair, and when she got confused wondering where her daughter went (she called her sister), he stayed with her until she caught up with her daughter who got separated from her.

What a beautiful gesture. I hope to have the opportunity one day to offer help in a similar way.

I’ve started the day off with two feel-good stories in part to show that not all news is bad news. For every drunk flight attendant or unruly passenger there are many stories of flight attendants and passengers who show compassion and love. My day is looking up in part due to these heartwarming stories. I hope your day is too!

If this heartwarming story resonated with you, share it with others and let’s spread a little more kindness together.