Grandmother of Orlando victim shown love and support – at 30,000 feet
The grief-stricken woman was on her way to be with her family.
Many are still struggling to come to terms with the atrocities of last Sunday, as debates rage on about homophobia, racism and gun control.
Stories regarding the hate-filled gunman and his horrific act make a haunting read, while ISIS and others posthumously congratulate him for slaughtering so many innocent people.
However, despite the obvious feelings of hatred, fear and anger the massacre has borne, it is the stories of love, empathy and courage that have dominated what is otherwise a heartbreaking chapter in LGBT history.
Since Sunday, we have seen an overwhelming amount of support given to the victims, with vigils taking place across the world and millions donating money to aid those injured and the families of those killed in the shooting.
We have heard stories of courage – from the ex-marine risked his life to save countless others, to the mother who made the ultimate sacrifice to her son.
And now yet another story human kindness, one that brings both a smile to the face and a tear to the eye, has emerged – except this one took place at 30,000 feet.
When a JetBlue flight bound for Orlando touched down earlier this week, not one passenger rushed to get off.
Instead, every single of them stopped to offer their condolences to a fellow flier — the grandmother of 20-year-old Luis ‘Omar’ Ocasio-Capo, one of the young people whose lives were taken at Pulse Nightclub last weekend.
Flight attendant Kelly Davis Karas shared the emotional story on Facebook.
“JetBlue employees made sure to be at her side every step of the way,” Karas explained.
This included standing by her wheelchair prior to boarding, supplying her with tissues, water, a pillow and blanket on board, and making sure someone from the crew was near her at all times.
“She was understandably distraught, but met us with kindness and gentleness. And gratitude.”
Karas then decided to pass around a piece of paper to the other passengers and invite them to write a message the grieving grandmother.
She says the response was overwhelming.
“We had page after page after page after page of long messages offering condolences, peace, love, and support. There were even a couple of cash donations, and more than a few tears.”
According to Karas, every single passenger on board took the time to stop and speak with Omar’s grandmother and offer their condolences before disembarking.
“I am moved to tears yet again as I struggle to put our experience into words,” she concluded.
“In spite of a few hateful, broken human beings in this world who can all too easily legally get their hands on mass assault weapons — people ARE kind.
“People DO care. And through our customers’ humanity today, and through the generosity of this wonderful company I am so grateful to work for, I am hopeful that someday soon we can rally together to make the world a safer place for all.
“I will never forget today. #Orlandoproud.”
Love wins – again.
