Dear Friends and Family,
So many of you have been sympathetic in your responses to my ramblings.
I am eternally grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and offers of help. In the middle of the night, when I watch Nancy sleeping, it is nice to have companions other than doubt and fear. Your notes and emails serve as confidantes in the dark of the late evening.
Thanks immensely.
Further, your stories about my bride give me new knowledge and bring smiles to my face.
An example:
Hi Nancy,
I don’t know if you remember me, but we graduated from the University of Georgia together and started with TWA at the same time. We flew together from time to time and, as newbies, were always assigned to the back of the plane in E zone on full 747s!
I remember one trip to Madrid when you were working L5 and I was R5. A man in the last row gave you a really hard time and you came back to the galley crying. I knew it was nothing you did (you were the best flight attendant ever!), so I went back and told him off for making you cry. It turned out that his father had just died so he was upset and took it out on you. He ended up working the snack service in the galley for us while we delivered the sandwiches. Then he sent us each a pair of boots (he owned a shoe factory).
It’s funny the stories you remember. In my many years of flying since, our Madrid trip was the only time any passenger ever sent me a present. But then, I can’t remember ever working with a person like you before or since—fun, hardworking, and kind. I truly enjoyed those early days.
I hope your road to recovery is quick and painless. I don’t know if you’d remember, but I met my husband of thirty-four years on my very first trip as a flight attendant en route to Shannon, Ireland. Unfortunately, he is going through chemo and radiation for lung cancer right now, so we understand your battle. I know you are surrounded by a loving family and wish you all the best.
Love,
Lee Waddell McCarthy
I was not surprised by my beloved’s response when I read her that letter this morning. The rest of the day, she could only think and talk about what Lee was going through with her husband. She directed me to call Lee as soon as possible to offer my medical input.
Summary: Your many responses to Nancy’s illness have been an incredible comfort during our tough moments and a true joy during our better days. I had not anticipated the breadth and depth of having Nancy’s plight shared with so many. We have reconnected with a number of friends from the present and past, from near and far. All are now an integral part of Nancy’s support team. Thanks for spreading the word.
Love,
Winnie