A Drafted Companion (09/30/2025)

I was sitting outside and I saw it - the tiny light in the sky that told me a plane was making its way overhead. There was no noise; there was just the light. And suddenly I remember a day 55 years ago and how I drafted a companion, poor thing.

I was only 20 years old. I was flying from Sioux City to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I was going to visit my husband’s family. He was in the military, and unable to join me for the trip. I had everything I needed for the flight except one thing – confidence. I was scared spitless.

My father, at that time a member of United’s Million Mile Club, kept telling me it was nothing. He kept assuring me that he did it almost weekly. He told me it was the safest way to travel, really. And I smiled politely and didn’t believe a word of it. But I figured it would be all right. I’d conquered fear before lots of times.

I found my seat on the plane. Next to me was a pleasant enough gentleman. He smiled and said, “Hi.” But we kept it at the greeting. I was still too worried about the whole flight thing and its safety elements to be starting long-term friendships.

Shortly after that, the flight crew, we called them stewardesses started the pre-flight safety instructions. The plane moved. I flinched, I thought, but I guess I actually grabbed. I grabbed the man next to me by his hand. “It’s okay,” he assured me, “we’re just taxiing to the runway.”

The taxiing wasn’t bad. I settled in a bit, telling myself I can do this. And I was doing really well until the pilot hit the gas and my head snapped back. This time, the poor fellow next to me sort of sensed the grab was coming; he was more prepared.

We didn’t speak until the plane sort of leveled out. I’m not sure if the circulation in his had had completely shut down or not. I know I’d never squeezed anything that tightly before in my life. When I realized what I was doing, as the plane leveled and my panic with it, I apologized. “I am so sorry,” I said. “I didn’t even ask your name.”

He was absolutely perfect for this “drafted companion” slot on this flight. He was so kind, so calm, and so normal. He told me his name was John and that he worked for International Harvestore. And from just over Sioux City to just over Cedar Rapids I learned everything there was to know about those beautiful blue silos.

When we landed, he helped me gather my things and walked beside me to the terminal. I hugged my husband’s mother so hard, I think I almost broke her. I wanted to introduce John to the family because he’d been so kind, but when I turned, he was gone, he was nowhere to be seen.

I will always remember John, his calm, his kindness, his companionship, his care for me on my first real flight. I wish I’d gotten his last name.

Two days later, I was back at the airport for my flight home. I was the first to my row of seats. An older woman came and sat next to me. We said, “Hi” but no more. I noticed her squirming as the flight crew explained the safety protocol. And when the plane jolted as it began making its way from the terminal to the runway, she grabbed the arm of the seat. My hand was already there, so she grabbed me. We looked at each other, smiled, and both said at the same time, “Sorry.” And then we started talking and talked the whole way.

As we journey in faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by love, let us recognize that we will encounter others along the way who may need some encouragement or support. And let us recognize that there may be days when it’s us that is in need. The nice things to always remember is that we do not go alone. The LORD goes with us, and with great frequency, he drafts others as companions when needed.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.