Human decency is still alive and well. In fact, the human decency bug is downright contagious.  We frequently hear news stories of heinous events where humans do things to each other that are beyond comprehension.  And we wonder:  Does human decency still exist?  I was reminded this past Monday that there are still caring, courteous, and respectful people everywhere.

I drove over to The Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport Monday morning to pick up a notebook computer for a friend who accidently left it on her flight to Dallas from New York City.  When I arrived, I found out from American Airlines that the baggage lost and found area was behind security.  They were very helpful and gave me a pass, so I could proceed.  The security line at Terminal C was really long that morning.  I noticed several soldiers in uniform at various places in the line. I wondered where they were headed. None of them could have been much over 19 or 20.  I wanted to load them in my truck and take them home for a hamburger.  And then I heard a man behind me initiate a conversation with two of them….

The man extended his hand and said: “Thank you for your service.” I was impressed.  I had good thoughts.  He acted on his good intentions.  The man’s gesture prompted another person in line to invite the male and female soldier to cut in front of her in the line reserved for first class passengers and American Advantage members. “Take my place in the line please….”  I did not hear one complaint among the Monday business travelers anxious to reach their gates.

I made it through the security area and proceeded to find the American Airlines baggage lost and found.  The lady that waited on me acted like we were in Mayberry.  You would have thought I was doing business at Floyd’s Barber Shop.  She called by my name and visited with me like I was a long lost relative.

As I left the lost and found, my mind was swirling. People in one of the world’s busiest airports are kind, respectful, and just downright friendly.  Almost immediately saw a lady sitting by herself in an airport transport cart with her crutches beside her.  I had to stop.  I felt compelled to pass on some of the decency I had witnessed and experienced.  I said: “Being on crutches is no fun.”  She said “Yes, I am very sore.”  I went on to tell her that I spent 4 months navigating around on a pair of crutches several years ago.  We had a very pleasant interchange.  I wished her the best and told her I hoped her day went well.  I would not have stopped except for the fact that human decency is contagious, and I had caught the bug earlier that morning.