Dustin Moore and his wife, Caren, were flying home to Buena Park, California, from Colorado with their newly adopted daughter when some strangers stepped in to make their big day even sweeter. In a now-viral Twitter thread, Moore shared the amazing story of how their fellow passengers ended up throwing them an impromptu baby shower on a Southwest Airlines flight.
After learning that the 8-day-old infant was on her way home for the first time with her parents, a flight attendant named Bobby passed out napkins and pens to passengers so that they could write messages of wisdom and encouragement for the new mom and dad.
Moore started his thread on Twitter noting that he was inspired to share the story because it’s one about the kindness of strangers. He hoped it would remind people that “there is goodness to be had in this world”:
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.
I hope our story uplifts you, and reminds you there is goodness to be had in this world.
A thread… /1
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
He explained that when it came time to change his daughter’s diaper, a flight attendant named Jenny cleared a space for them to do so in the back of the cabin:
About mid flight, our daughter awoke and politely informed us she wanted a new new diaper. After inquiring about space for a table change, a thoughtful flight attendant (named Jenny) cleared a space in the back of the plane and gave us privacy. /3
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
Moore told Jenny and another passenger that their daughter was newly adopted, and they offered congratulations. Another flight attendant, Bobby, came over a few minutes later to ask about their adoption story.
When Bobby then made an announcement about the special passenger on board, the whole cabin clapped and cheered:
Then, we heard the intercom. 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. /6
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
How sweet!
Bobby announced that he was passing out pens and napkins for passengers to write messages for the new parents. Moore and his wife were left “in speechless gratitude”:
He then shared that the crew would pass out pens and napkins to everyone, and anybody who wanted to share a word of advice or encouragement for our family was welcome to do so.
We sat in speechless gratitude, as people kept peeking over their chairs to congratulate us. /7
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
The little nuggets of wisdom they received on the napkins were much appreciated and included directives to “make time for date night” as well as to “enjoy every minute”:
The crew gathered the napkins, then read a few of their favorites over the intercom.
“Rub each other’s feet, and rub the baby’s feet.”
“Make time for date night.”
“Always tell her you love her.”
“Enjoy every minute. It goes by sooo very fast.”
“Drink lots of wine!” /8
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
There was still one more surprise in store for them. The new parents learned that flight attendants Jenny and Bobby were married, and that someone had done something similar for them on their honeymoon flight:
One more round of cheers came through.
Then, Bobby and Jenny approached us with the napkins bundled up (about 60 of them), w/ a set of pilot wings for our daughter. We learned they were married, and that someone had done a similar act for them on their honeymoon flight. /9
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
The flight attendants were inspired to pay it forward:
When I had spoken w/ Jenny, she thought it was a perfect opportunity to pay forward the kind act they had been shown on their honeymoon.
Even as we disembarked, people kept approaching us and wishing us well, and complimenting our beautiful daughter. Our hearts were full. /10
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
Their sweet gesture was extremely meaningful to the nervous new parents:
The outpouring of love from that flight, brought on by the actions of two thoughtfully observant flight attendants… it exceeds my ability to describe what it meant to us. How much those wings and written notes uplifted two new parents determined to love their new daughter. /12
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
“The outpouring of love from that flight, brought on by the actions of two thoughtfully observant flight attendants … it exceeds my ability to describe what it meant to us,” he wrote. “How much those wings and written notes uplifted two new parents determined to love their new daughter.”
Moore posted another message to the thread, showing that he and his wife had put the messages into a scrapbook that relates what happened on the plane.
This website is used oft as a means to share what’s wrong.
I hope you’ll take time to share what is good. In a world of turmoil, don’t forget to showcase the Bobby’s and Jenny’s, the kind strangers out there.
And if they don’t cross your path, be one. Seek good, or create it. pic.twitter.com/XMxkJXkh18
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
What an amazing story! The whole thread has become viral, getting more than 16,000 likes and 3.8K shares.
Southwest Airlines released the following statement about its employees’ generosity:
“On a recent flight, our crew met two customers who were traveling home with their newborn for the first time,” the statement said. “Our crew often looks for opportunities to provide exceptional hospitality, so the crew sprang into action and asked the whole flight to share advice for the new parents on our inflight napkins. More than five dozen napkins full of advice were collected and presented to the customers, as they began their journey as parents. Our people are our best assets, and it is evident in the kindness and heart that our crew showed to these customers during a special time in their lives. We join in the new parents’ joy and wish them a lifetime of love and baby snuggles.”
We’re wishing the new family the same!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
