Walking off a recent flight into Memphis, I noticed a dozen wheel chairs lined up along the left wall of the jet bridge.
A dozen.
That meant there were at least a dozen people on the plane who would need assistance just to get from the aircraft to baggage claim, or beyond.
Two thoughts came immediately to mind.
First, a quiet but unmistakable sense of gratitude. Carol and I were walking off the plane under our own power. No assistance. No hesitation. Just walking.
It’s easy to take something as simple as walking for granted. Most of us do, most of the time. But moments like that interrupt the routine. They remind us that what feels ordinary is, in fact, a gift.
Second, a brief prayer—for those passengers. That they would travel safely. That the process would be smooth. That they would arrive at their destinations with as little difficulty as possible.
It wasn’t a long moment. The line kept moving. Life resumed. But it stayed with me.
Because this is what seeing looks like.
Noticing what’s right in front of us. Recognizing what it means. Letting it register before moving on.
As we age, it’s easy to drift in the other direction—to stop noticing, to move on autopilot, to assume tomorrow will look like today. But situational awareness isn’t just about avoiding risk.
It’s about recognizing reality as it is, both the challenges others face and the blessings we still hold.
That short walk down a jet bridge was a reminder: paying attention sharpens gratitude.
And gratitude, practiced consistently, is one way we age a little more gratefully.
As always, be well, and age gratefully,
Chris
As a person who requires assistance (Wheel Chair) when I fly, I have experienced a somewhat different response to so called wheel chair assistance. Most of those using this service (especially when flying SouthWest Airlines which in my opionion is the best for this service, do not need it. It is simply a device to get on the plane first before the passengers who do not require the service. It really has been greatly abused by those who do not require it.
Gino, I do believe that some game the wheel chair assist system, but I also know that a good number of folks who use the service need it. So i choose to roll with that punch for the benefit of those with need. And I remain grateful first, that those who need the service have access. And second, that I remain fully able to transport myself.
Chris, I am always grateful to you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and wisdom. You are an exceptionally brilliant professional and exceptionally brilliant man. Please keep your messages coming. Most welcome and useful. Thank you. Warm regards from Buenos Aires. Norb.
Thanks, Norberto! I just spent nine days on a trip to Peru with my son. He went on to Buenos Ares for a wedding. Thankfully, we are both home and safe.
Thank you, Chris for a wonderful post. It made my day.
From one walker to another, let’s keep on keeping on as long as we can!
Chris, thank you for looking at both sides. Yes! Be thankful you are healthy and can walk off the plane. I appreciate your seeing people like me…..I am traveling soon to see my sister in Canada. I will need someone to greet me with a wheelchair, to avoid excess stress on my body. Thank you and keep on enjoying traveling with Carol! Now that is a blessing!
I’ve walked off several planes since that post, and I remain grateful every time!