I boarded a six-hour flight with my two-month-old son, my husband in another city, and no help nearby. Normally calm, my baby cried constantly that day, likely from pressure changes, noise, or tiredness. I fed him, changed diapers, and tried everything to soothe him, barely able to eat or rest myself.
Sitting next to me was a man in a suit, clearly traveling on business. He looked irritated, sighed, and gave us side glances. I felt guilty, expecting him to complain. Then, unexpectedly, he said:
—“Give me the baby. I’ll hold him; you try to get some sleep.”
I hesitated, but he reassured me: he was a pediatrician with two children, knowing the stress of flying with infants. I handed him my son, and miraculously, the baby fell asleep in his arms. I slept nearly an hour, feeling relief for the first time all day. When we landed, he returned my son and said:
—“You are a very strong mother. Never doubt that.”
I’ll never forget that kindness.

