Pilots, their mental states, their unspoken stresses and their perceived shortcomings have been analyzed seemingly around the clock in the days that have followed the tragedy of Germanwings Flight 9525. But one sensitive passenger named Bethanie reached out to the captain of the flight she was on, giving him a lovely handwritten note that thanked him for getting her home safely.
Jai Dillon, a pilot who currently flies from Manchester, England, said that the letter was given to one of his colleagues. "[It's] proof we're all in this together," he wrote. Although Dillon would confirm that the note was real, he could not reveal the airline or the flight number, citing security concerns. The full text of the letter reads
Dear pilots of the plane taking me home,
In light of the very recent tragedy in the French Alps and the loss of those poor 150 people, I feel the need to reach out to you and extend a compassionate hand. At the end of the day, we are all humans just trying to live this rollercoaster of a life we have been handed. I understand an event so horrific as this one affects those with your responsibility more than others, and maybe sometimes a kind word, random but heartfelt, can make a difference. I'm hoping to create a ripple effect and spread some compassion and understanding.
Thank you for taking me home. Thank you for doing so safely. Thank you for allowing me to live the life I do in Spain and split my time with my family in England too. You make the excitement I feel now to see my family possible. I hope you get to see your families soon. I've had a wonderful flight and hope you have too.
You're making a massive difference and you're the reason I can smile tonight.
Take care and spread love,
Kindest regards, Bethanie.
The letter and its unexpected message of hope has been retweeted over 4,600 times. Thank you, Bethanie, for being the reason a lot of people have smiled this week.
