Last week, I flew home from Toronto to Kelowna on Air Canada Flight 195. As a seasoned traveler, I thought this journey would be just another routine trip. Little did I know, it would turn out to be one of the most enjoyable, hilarious, and meaningful moments of my life. It was my first experience of flying with angels.
When I boarded the plane and found my seat, I quickly realized I was one of the few passengers on the plane who wasn’t from Newfoundland. I was surrounded by the vibrant sounds of Newfoundland accents, laughter, and excited conversations happening all around me.
I knew the plane was full of Newfoundlanders, but I didn’t know why. I asked a woman two seats away, “What takes you all to Kelowna?” She beamed with pride and responded, “We’re all going to the Brier! To the Canadian Men’s Curling Championship!”
I asked, “Are you competing?”
“No,” she replied, “we’re all fans! We’re going to support our defending world champion, Brad Gushue from Newfoundland.”
I remarked, “It looks like all of Newfoundland is here! Did you leave anyone back home?” Laughter rippled through the next three rows as everyone tuned into our conversation.
I added, “You know, I think Newfoundlanders are some of the most fun and friendly people in the world.” By now, five rows of fans were leaning forward, eager to listen.
I couldn’t resist. In my speaker’s voice, I told the story of a CBC interview with Mary Walsh, one of Newfoundland’s beloved comedians. As soon as I mentioned her name, several ladies chimed in saying, “She’s from my village!” and “Oh, she’s some funny!”
I continued, “Mary Walsh once said, ‘A lot of people think we Newfoundlanders are the friendliest people, but it’s not true. We’re not friendly; we’re just nosy!’” Everyone guffawed on cue.
I continued, “I’ve had many friends from Newfoundland. I almost feel like I’m from there, but I’m not, of course. I’m ‘from away.’”
When I said those words, the woman jerked her head back to me and looked at me sternly. She quizzed, “Do you know what that means?”
I replied, “Yes, I do. ‘From away’ is the local expression for someone who is NOT from Newfoundland. But that phrase took on worldwide significance on 9/11.”
She leaned in closer and asked, “And what happened on 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland?” You could hear a pin drop. Every passenger leaned in to hear if I knew the answer.
I replied, “When the twin towers were attacked, every plane in US airspace was ordered to land at the nearest airport as soon as possible. Canada opened its airports to US flights, especially the tiny village of Gander, Newfoundland with its surprisingly large airport. Gander received 38 planes and roughly 7,000 passengers, nearly doubling the town’s population overnight. With no warning and no hotels available, the townspeople quickly took action. The first arrivals were taken to local schools and the hockey arena. Neighbors brought home-cooked meals to the stranded passengers and many of the local residents started taking guests into their homes.
I certainly remembered the inspiring story of what the people of Gander did. Later, when the world learned about what that tiny village did for strangers, it inspired the award-winning Broadway musical, ‘Come From Away.’
The extraordinary response of Gander during the 9/11 tragedy showcased how kindness and solidarity can turn strangers into lifelong friends. The willingness of the Gander community to open their homes and hearts to those in need stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit. It reminds us that in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and we are never truly alone. Help often comes from the most unexpected places and people, reinforcing the belief that even in adversity, we can find strength and connection, even if we’re “from away.”
Thank you to my new friends from Newfoundland for being the friendliest, most generous, and kindest people in the world. I’ll never forget you and the day I flew with angels.
Dr. Mark DeVolder is a Top Change Management & Transformation Expert, Award Winning Motivational Keynote Speaker Empowering Confidence through Change. Mark can teach you how to change, anticipate business trends and accelerate future-proof transformation. He’s done it before with industry leaders like Qatar Petroleum, PepsiCo, Royal Bank of Canada and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
