No matter how strong or confident we feel, we’ve all had the feeling of hopelessness or weakness. As hard as it is to admit, sometimes we need the help of others in order to complete a task or to feel safe. However, that doesn’t make us any less strong or confident, it only makes us human.
And just like you or me, this young man named Russel Lehmann was faced with a rather difficult situation while at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. You see, Russel is a man living with autism, as well as anxiety, depression, and OCD, who has found his life’s calling in the form of motivational speaking. How so? He uses his mental illness as a platform in which to educate others and to give them hope and inspiration. But one day, Russel suffered quite considerably, leaving him to have a meltdown inside the airport after his flight had been delayed for the second time in two days.
“I succumbed to the worst meltdown of my life,” he said. “I was crying my eyes out, rocking back and forth as my muscles convulsed at a rapid pace. Sweating profusely, I was hyperventilating while my body shook in terror.”
Luckily, that was when David appeared, an employee of American Airlines, and asked Russel what was wrong. “I was barely able to get any words out,” Russell said. “I believe I mumbled the words, ‘I don’t know. I can’t think, I have autism.’”
What David did next was truly heaven-sent. He calmly asked Russel if he would be interested in a rerouted flight, and gave him 10 minutes to think. After, he returned with the pilot of the plane! Together, David and the pilot helped Russel on-board and created an experience that completely transformed his terrible situation into a positive and noteworthy one. What an absolute angel!
Watch the clip below for the full story. If you’ve loved this video and the beautiful message, be sure to share it with your family and friends!
