Thought 08DEC2009

A PASSIONATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome aboard United Airlines flight number 548, direct from Palm Springs to Chicago." Wait a minute! My mind starts racing. I know it's early in the morning, 6.50 am to be exact, but I was sure this flight went to Denver. "Now that I got your attention," the voice continues, "my name is Annamarie and I'll be your first flight attendant today. Actually, we will be en route to Denver, so if you were not planning to go there, now would be a good time to get off the plane."

I breath a sigh of relied as Annamarie continues: "Safety is important to us, so please take out the safety card in front of you and acquaint yourself with it. Come on, everybody, take out those brochures and wave them in the air!" Seventy percent of the passengers chuckle and do as they are told, 20 percent aren't awake yet and the other 10 percent are sourpusses. "In the event that we mistakenly land in a body of water, a decision must be made. You can either pray and swim like crazy, or use your seat as a floatation device."

About half of the 20 percent start to emerge from their stupor. "We will be serving breakfast in flight this morning. On the menu I have eggs Benedict and fruit crepes - not really, but they sound good to me. However, the flight attendants will be offering you a choice of an omelet or cold cereal." By now, even a few of the sourpusses are venturing a smile. Thanks for an enjoyable flight, Annamarie. And thank God for flight attendants who are passionate about their jobs!
Glen Van Ekeren - extracted from 'Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work', Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Maida Rogerson, Martin Rutte & Tim Clauss, Heaalth Communications, Inc., 1996.
Wish well, be well - Kurdish Proverb