We all want to spend time with our families during the holidays, but the harsh reality is that many professions and businesses can’t close up shop. Hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and airlines can all run around the clock during the Christmas season. As a nurse, I know all too well that sometimes you just have to suck it up and work on a special day.
Yet, a really touching story, which went viral around Christmas 2018, showed that despite workplace obligations it is possible to sneak in some family time. The father of a flight attendant, Hal Vaughan, made an outstanding commitment to spend Christmas day with his daughter by booking six flights. Traveling cross country over the span of four days, the father and daughter made holiday memories that are sure to last a lifetime. (1)
Where Ya Headed?
Taking a flight often requires some obligatory banter with your fellow passengers. Questions like, “Where ya headed?” and “Are you traveling for business or travel?” are fairly routine among airplanes aisles. Mike Levy, who was going home on a flight from Florida to Detroit, started up a similar conversation with Hal Vaughan, who sat next to him. Levy was shocked when he heard Vaughan’s story of ‘tagging’ along with his daughter, a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines, to see her over the holidays. Vaughan explained to Levy that his daughter’s shift involved six domestic flights, ranging from Connecticut to New Orleans, and he was planning to see her for each one!
Levy was so moved by this story that he later shared his experience on social media, with photos of the traveling father and daughter. He wrote, “I was amazed and thought he was such a phenomenal father for going well out of his way to be with his daughter.” He added, “Pierce is very sweet. She definitely knows now how great her dad really is.” (1, 2)
An Experience Worth Challenges
Taking one flight can be a pain, but six? And during a major holiday? Hal Vaughan must have struggled through numerous crowds, stood in long lines, and put up some big bucks for traveling at premium holiday times. Vaughan was also believed to struggle a bit through airports due to recent tree trimming accident. Levy said on social media, “He is still recovering from a neck injury from earlier in the year, which had left him quadriplegic for a period,” and “This was his first trip since the accident.” Ultimately though, each travel challenge appeared worth it for the loving father – who smiled ear to ear in a selfie with Levy. Additionally, Vaughan later told the New York Times, “I just felt terrible thinking about her spending her first Christmas alone, even though she’s 25.” (1-3)
Christmas Miracles Happen
Hal’s daughter, Pierce, shared on social media: “Dad’s first trip using his benefits was a success! A special thanks to all of the patient, wonderful gate agents around the country and my perfect crew. He made it on every flight and even got first class RSW-DTW (a Christmas miracle).” Delta Air echoes Pierce’s comments, thanking employees for making this amazing Christmas experience happen at 30,000 feet. Hoping more hardworking people get to see their loved ones, either on breaks or between shifts, this holiday! (1)
