Four years ago, on a red-eye flight from Manila to Sydney, I sat next to an elderly lady whom I will later get to know as Mrs. Reyes. Her seat was to my right, separated by an aisle. I couldn’t help but notice that she had difficulties with mobility, perhaps on account of old age. When I realized she was travelling alone, I took it upon myself to assist her in whatever way I could. She must have been my grandmother’s age, I mused. I could not get my grandma to go on a long drive, let alone take a flight so the poor old woman must have been having a grueling time. It didn’t occur to me to ask why she was on her own but she willingly offered the reason. Her supposed company got entangled into a last minute commitment she couldn’t get out of. Her family had pre-arranged everything to make her journey as comfortable as possible. We exchanged stories over the course of our flight.
Upon reaching Sydney, passengers who needed assistance had to deplane last. I felt that it would not have been in my good conscience to abandon an old lady to navigate the maze that is Sydney airport so I stayed behind. I’m glad I did because the ordeal to get through immigration was even more tiresome. The queue, like in any major airport in the world, was an absolute nightmare. Quick to my feet, I approached an immigration officer to explain the situation with Mrs. Reyes who was 82 at that time. I was relieved he was considerate enough because I was prepared to flash a boob if he didn’t relent. That’s a joke if you must be categorically told my dear friends. I didn’t plan on getting featured in an episode of Locked Up Abroad. Anyway, Mrs. Reyes was allowed to get in front of the queue and by extension, me too. Cheers to good karma.
The thing with good deeds is that you cannot just quit in the middle of it. The more good you do, the better you feel about yourself anyway so keep going. I let Mrs. Reyes sit and wait so I can take out both our suitcases from the designated conveyor belt. I didn’t mind it. Having been raised by my grandparents, I have the softest spot for the elderly which is why this news of a 72 y/o jeepney driver detained for protesting for his livelihood to be re-instated angered me so much to the verge of tears.
She was met by her grandchildren Mark and Lara at the arrivals. I remember them both to be smart, sweet and polite just as their grandmother described. Both are older than me but for not more than a year or two. Lara had just given birth to her first son at that time but keeping tabs on Facebook, she now has a daughter too and the children are adorable. Mark seems to be the typical tito, doting on his niece and nephew. They insisted on taking me on a quick city tour of Sydney and afterwards brought me to my Airbnb, for which I was grateful.
When they dropped me off at my destination, Mrs. Reyes motioned for me to come closer to her so she could whisper in my ear the following words “Sana ikaw na ang maging apo ko dyan kay Mark.” (Translated: I hope you get to be my granddaughter-in-law with Mark). I nearly choked. While the proposition was flattering, it wasn’t exactly a time in my life that I was looking for a husband. I was fairly occupied reveling in being young, wild and in all respects, free. The vote of confidence was well-appreciated though, my grandma would be proud.
As a sucker for chance encounters, this encounter with Mrs. Reyes was truly pleasant and one that I remember with considerable fondness. I hope she is doing well.
