Adoption is a wonderful thing. But the process can also be tedious, emotional and daunting. Which is why it is great when you have love and support along the journey to make things easier.
According to USA Today, California based couple Caren & Dustin Moore adopted an 8-day-old baby girl in Colorado and were flying back home when they unexpectedly found help with the airline’s crew and passengers.
In a heartwarming Twitter thread, the new father shared how two married flight attendants Jenny & Bobby made them feel special by organizing a mid-flight baby shower. Take a look.
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
Not too long ago, my wife and I boarded a @SouthwestAir flight with our recently adopted infant daughter.
W/ clearance to return home to California, my wife carried our precious bundle, while I offered numerous apologies to passengers while maneuvering the aisle with 4 bags. /2
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
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
After a change, Jenny and another passenger complimented my beautiful daughter and politely asked what had prompted a flight with such a young infant.
I gave them the shortened adoption story, to which they hastily offered congratulations, and shared a few more kind remarks. /4
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
About 10 minutes later, another attendant (named Bobby) greeted us w/ a warm smile, and inquired about our daughter.
We repeated the story w/ a few details, and he congratulated us before walking away. My wife and I exchanged curious looks, but thought nothing more about it. /5
— Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
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
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 couple received adorable pieces of advice and good wishes from the people onboard. Dustin also revealed that it meant a lot to them since they’d been trying to have a baby for 9 years.
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
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
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
But theres more. What all of those perfect strangers and attendants did not know, was the emotionally tender state of two brand-new parents. Parents who after 9 years of trying had been blessed with their first child. Parents who felt scared, but determined in their new role. /11
— 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. 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 Indian Express quoted him saying,
“I want people to take away from this that there’s a lot more good going on in the world than you might consider. For an entire crew of strangers to come together like that, to partake like that, to show us that kind of love and kindness meant everything to us.”
The couple has now compiled all the notes into a scrapbook. Isn’t that amazing?
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
When people read about the incident, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Everyone joined in to congratulate the parents and applaud the thoughtfulness of the crew.
All the love, health, and blessings on your new family 💕
— LibertyJ (@LibertyJen) February 9, 2020
Congratulations on your ‘Gift from God’ and Best Wishes for a Lifetime of Happy Memories!
My Napkin Greeting 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/Y3lajNffYj
— Simply Irredeemable (@hrhjmm) February 9, 2020
A beautiful story so uplifting and happy. A lovely start to your wonderful life with your new daughter treasure every moment as the time flies by. Congratulations
— Sue Eaton (@SueEato94551981) February 9, 2020
Beautiful! So happy there are still kind people in this crazy world we are living in. God bless your baby girl! Best wishes!💗
— BB Resists! 🐝🐝#Unite! #StrongerTogether 🌊🌊🗽 (@Art1Vegan) February 13, 2020
I’m a HUGE advocate of doing simple, inexpensive things that make life MUCH better. How kind and resourceful the crew of that fateful flight were!! What do 60 cocktail napkins cost?
This is what a rich life “costs”.
— Basil "Pouncing and Seizing" Fawlty (@InncentBystndr) February 9, 2020
This is so beautiful – has me in tears. Congrats to you both 💕
— Kassie Epstein (@kassieepstein) February 9, 2020
Perhaps it is true when they say that it takes a village to raise a child, don’t you think?