An Uplifting Story About Family, Baby Showers, And Unexpected Kindness (On An Airline)

Sometimes, your faith in humanity needs a little boost. Even as someone who genuinely believes in the inherent goodness of most people, I admit I sometimes need a reminder. It’s true. People can be horrible at times, but they can also be awesome. It’s easy for the horror to catch your attention because, in the grand scheme of things, it’s rare.

That, alone, is worth taking comfort in. However, it’s also worth noting those who go above and beyond to be awesome in a very special way. As such, here’s a brief story involving real people who did something amazing and were rewarded by an unexpected gesture that made it even more amazing.

On top of that, it happened in the middle of a flight from Colorado to California. That’s right. Being crammed into a giant metal tube flying at 500 miles-per-hour wasn’t enough to stop this incredible gesture. I wish I could do justice to how wonderful all the people are in this story. I’ll let the details speak for themselves.

Today: Strangers on plane throw baby shower for couple flying home with adopted newborn

Bringing a baby home is always a special moment, but it was made even sweeter for Dustin and Caren Moore on a Southwest Airlines flight. When the new parents flew home to California with their adopted newborn daughter, they were treated to an impromptu baby shower.

In a Twitter thread that has been liked more than 15,000 times, Dustin shared details of the kindness the family experienced from Southwest flight attendants and passengers. He said he was inspired to share the story last week after he was having a tough time and wanted to bring some positivity to Twitter.

“It’s been a difficult week. But, rather than publicly air my grievances, I’d like to share w/ you the kindness strangers offered us the day we brought our daughter home,” he wrote. “I hope our story uplifts you, and reminds you there is goodness to be had in this world.”

On Nov. 8, 2019, the Moores flew from Colorado to California. “Parents who after 9 years of trying had been blessed with their first child. Parents who felt scared, but determined in their new role,” he wrote of their emotional state during the trip.

When their daughter woke up from a nap and needed a diaper change, Dustin said a flight attendant named Jenny cleared space in the back of the plane and gave them privacy.

“After a change, Jenny and another passenger complimented my beautiful daughter and politely asked what had prompted a flight with such a young infant. I gave them the shortened adoption story, to which they hastily offered congratulations, and shared a few more kind remarks,” he wrote.

A few minutes later, another flight attendant named Bobby asked about their daughter, so Dustin said he shared a few details about their adoption story.

“Then, we heard the intercom,” he wrote. “The attendant Bobby came on and announced a special guest on the flight. Our daughter. ‘She’s just been adopted by her parents Caren and Dustin, and is making her way home.'”

The entire cabin erupted in cheers and applause.

Flight attendants then passed out napkins and asked passengers to share any words of wisdom they may have for the new parents. At the end of the flight, 60 napkins were handed to the Moores, which they have now placed in a scrapbook.

Dustin said he and his wife were blown away by the kindness of strangers. He added that some of the tips have already been helpful.

Take a moment to wipe the tears from your eyes. Then, take another moment to consider the scope of the kindness included in this one story. Two people were loving and kind enough to adopt a child and embrace her as their own. It’s a beautiful gesture that deserves praise, but never makes the news.

It doesn’t have to, though. The people on this flight, who were total strangers, mind you, saw this gesture and returned the favor. They gave this wonderful couple the kind of love and admiration that will likely stick with them for the rest of their lives. That’s the power of kindness. That’s how great people can be when given a chance.

Remember that the next time you’re feeling cynical and jaded. People can be wonderful when you give them a chance. It can be even more wonderful when you repay kindness with kindness.