On a recent Republic Airways flight from Newark to Grand Rapids, an exhausted new mother fell asleep in her seat, causing her newborn to slowly slip from her lap. Flight attendant Monique Harris noticed the infant sliding and quickly stepped in to catch the baby.
When the startled mother woke up and began apologizing profusely, Harris waved off the apology. Instead of just handing the baby back, Harris told the mother to go back to sleep and offered to hold the infant herself so the woman could get a much-needed break.
Fellow passenger John Frehse, who posts on Instagram as @WoodyLovesTravel, witnessed the exchange and took a photo of Harris caring for the baby. He shared the story online, where it quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of likes and prompted an outpouring of comments from people sharing similar positive travel experiences. Frehse praised Harris as an "A+ employee" for her quick reflexes and compassion.
The widespread online attention caught Harris by surprise. She responded in the comments to thank people for the support, noting she wasn't looking for praise. "I never do anything for recognition," she wrote. "I had no idea that being my normal natural self would grow into such a priceless moment!!!"
Republic Airways officially echoed the public sentiment, releasing a statement that called Harris an "extraordinary colleague and flight attendant." For Frehse, the viral response simply confirmed the obvious appeal of a straightforward act of kindness: "People are saying we need more Monique in the world."
Source: WJBF