Plane Stories: 8A The Rabbi | 12D Nathaniel | 17B Eden The Influencer`

8A The Rabbi and His Wife

Abel and Shoshanna, a deeply devout Hasidic Jewish couple from Brooklyn, find themselves seated in 8A and 8B as they journey back home after a visit with their only son, daughter in-law and grandchildren in Toronto's Bathurst and Steeles area. Abel, taking the window seat, ensures he adheres to his religious principles, particularly the avoidance of any unnecessary contact with women outside his family. This gesture, while perhaps puzzling to some onlookers, is a reflection of his deep commitment to his faith and the customs that define it.

The couple belongs to the Beth Elohim congregation, a cornerstone of their lives and a place where Abel's presence is not just noted but revered. As a rabbi, Abel's role extends far beyond leading prayers; he is a guide, a teacher, and a pillar of support for his community. His knowledge of the Torah and Jewish law, combined with a compassionate understanding of human nature, makes him a cherished leader. Shoshanna, by his side, shares in this life of devotion, embodying the virtues of kindness, hospitality, and unwavering faith that inspire those around her.

Throughout the flight, Abel remains introspective, perhaps reflecting on the sermons he will give or the lessons he plans to share upon his return to Brooklyn. He quietly anticipates attending shul, reconnecting with his congregation, and continuing the spiritual guidance he provides. Shoshanna, understanding her husband's need for contemplation, respects the silence between them, finding comfort in the shared silence that speaks volumes of their mutual respect and love.

Their interaction with the flight attendants is minimal, marked by polite nods or brief words of thanks, ensuring that Abel's religious observances are respected. As the aircraft hummed with the low murmur of passengers settling in, Abel found solace in the view from his window seat, allowing him the space to reflect on his life's journey and the path that lay ahead. The flight from Toronto to New York was but a brief leg in his travels, a mere prelude to a much more significant journey he was about to undertake a week later—a trip to Israel to visit his brother in Elazam, a small settlement outside of Bethlehem. This upcoming pilgrimage was imbued with a deep sense of duty and familial love, yet the thought of the long flight from New York to Tel Aviv filled him with trepidation. Abel had always found the confinement of air travel challenging, the hours stretching endlessly as he navigated his discomfort and the inevitable fatigue.

Abel’s mind drifted to his brother, whom he hadn't seen in years. Their conversations, often carried out over the phone or through letters, were a testament to the enduring bond between them, yet they could not substitute for the warmth of a shared presence. The thought of their reunion brought a mix of joy and solemnity to Abel's heart. Israel, with its deep historical and spiritual significance, held a special place in his life. It was the land of his ancestors, a place of pilgrimage and prayer, every visit was an opportunity to strengthen his connection to his heritage.

Within the quietude of his thoughts, amidst reflections on the logistics and spiritual significance of his journey, Abel's contemplation took a more somber turn as he considered the safety of his brother, who had chosen to make his life in the West Bank. This region, woven with beauty and complexity, was also a landscape where the enduring conflict between Israel and Palestine cast a long shadow over daily life. Abel’s heart grew heavy with concern, especially in light of recent rocket sirens that had pierced the calm of settlements like his brother’s, stark reminders of the tensions that simmered just beneath the surface of everyday existence there. The decision to live in such a contested area was not made lightly by his brother, driven by deep convictions and a profound sense of belonging to the land. Yet, for Abel, this reality brought a constant undercurrent of worry for his brother's safety and well-being, amidst the unpredictability of the conflict.

As the aircraft began its descent, the hum of conversation and the rustle of movement tapered off, replaced by the focused steps of the flight attendant making her way down the aisle. She paused by each row with a practiced smile, her eyes briefly meeting those of each passenger as she checked that seatbelts were securely fastened.

12D Nathaniel Richardson

Nathaniel Richardson, a bright-eyed 10-year-old with a spirit undimmed by adversity, found himself embarking on a journey unlike any other he had experienced before. This wasn't one of the numerous flights from Sault Ste. Marie Ontario to Toronto for his cancer treatments at Sick Kids Hospital, which Nathaniel had become all too familiar with. Instead, this trip was destined for New York City—a voyage of pure delight, his very first venture for leisure. With his mom by his side, Nathaniel's excitement was palpable as he envisioned the wonders that awaited him: the sprawling greenery of Central Park, the endless wonders of the iconic toy store, the majestic Statue of Liberty, and the lively amusement park at Coney Island.

Before settling into his seat, Nathaniel had the thrilling opportunity to visit the flight deck, where he met the pilots who would navigate their journey to the Big Apple. The pilots, impressed by Nathaniel's curiosity and resilience, shared insights about flying, further igniting his excitement for the adventure ahead. “Maybe you’ll become a pilot one day” FO Richardson offered, Nathaniel responded, “No, i'm going to be an astronaut”, the pilots laughed. This special moment was a poignant reminder of the kindness and generosity that had brought him to this point; Nathaniel and his mom were flying to New York thanks to the heartfelt gesture of an airline employee. Moved by Nathaniel's story of courage and bravery in the face of his ongoing battle with cancer, the employee had gifted them the tickets, offering a chance for Nathaniel to create joyful memories beyond the confines of hospitals and treatment centers.

As the plane hummed softly in the background, Nathaniel's mom leaned closer to him, her voice gentle yet full of anticipation, "What are you most excited to do in New York, honey?" Nathaniel's eyes lit up with the mention of the adventure ahead, and he began to eagerly recount his plans—each detail more enchanting than the last. As he spoke, his mom listened intently, her heart swelling with a mixture of joy and sorrow. Holding back tears, she marveled at his spirit and resilience, painfully aware that their time together was precious, shadowed by the terminal nature of his illness. Yet, in this moment, all that mattered was Nathaniel's happiness and the memories they were about to create—memories that would serve as beacons of light and love in the journey they shared.

Nathaniel continued to marvel at the world passing by below them, his mom watched him, a silent observer to his wonder. She reflected on their journey together, the hardships they'd faced, and the unyielding bravery Nathaniel had shown at every turn. In her heart, a fervent prayer rose—a plea for a miracle, for more time with her remarkable son.

As the plane touched down in New York and the bustle of disembarkation began, Nathaniel held tightly to a small piece of paper, his artwork from the flight. With a sense of purpose, he navigated through the rows to the front, where Captain Miller and First Officer Sarah Richardson greeted passengers. In Nathaniel's hand was a thank-you note, adorned with a picture of a plane he had drawn mid-flight, his imagination fueled by the journey and his mother's stories. With a shy but proud smile, he extended the note to the pilots, his way of expressing gratitude for the flight that brought him closer to his dreams.

Captain Miller and First Officer Richardson accepted the note, their faces lighting up with surprise and warmth as they saw Nathaniel's drawing. In that simple exchange, a bond was formed, a reminder of the profound impact their passengers' stories had on their daily lives. For Nathaniel's mom, watching her son's interaction with the pilots was a moment of pure joy, a poignant reminder of the kindness and beauty in the world, despite the shadows that loomed.

17B Eden The Influencer

Emily nestled into seat 17B, her excitement palpable as she embarked on what was more than just a flight to New York City—it was the next step in her burgeoning career as a travel influencer. With meticulous planning, she had selected an array of outfits for the trip, each chosen for its potential appeal in photos and videos. Aware that fashion was a key component of her brand, Emily had packed extra shoes and accessories, turning what could have been a carry-on trip for some into a necessity to check a bag. With her friend by her side, Emily was poised to showcase an award-winning hotel in the Financial District, a gig that promised to catapult her visibility in the digital world. The trip, all expenses paid by the hotel, was a testament to the traction she was gaining in the industry, with her Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat followers now numbering 28,653 and growing.

As the aircraft cruised towards New York City, Emily was engrossed in her phone, her creative energy focused on editing the perfect photo of herself holding the boarding pass with the plane in the background. She experimented with various captions, aiming to strike the right balance between wanderlust and brand promotion. "Taking off to new adventures with @AirlineName 🛫✨ #NYCBound #SponsoredTravel," she typed, then paused, considering her words. Another idea came to her: "Next stop: The Big Apple 🍎 Can't wait to show you where I'll be staying! #TravelInStyle #Partner." She also toyed with a more personal touch, "This is what dreams are made of 💫 Heading to NYC to bring you along on my latest adventure! #DreamBigTravelFar." Each caption was crafted to resonate with her followers, blending her genuine excitement for travel with the necessary nods to her sponsors.

Emily had always aspired to be a travel influencer, to merge her passion for exploration with her skills as a digital marketing specialist. Yet, as she engaged with her audience online, capturing and sharing each moment, there was an undercurrent of hollowness to the experience. The relentless pursuit of the perfect shot, the constant monitoring of likes and comments, and the pressure to maintain and grow her digital persona sometimes left little room for genuine enjoyment of the experience itself. Her friend, though just "happy to be along for the ride," provided a grounding presence, a reminder of the tangible, unfiltered world beyond the screen.

During the flight, Emily glanced up from her screen as a flight attendant came by, offering snacks to the passengers. With a friendly smile, Emily saw an opportunity and gently asked, "Is it possible to get a few extra snacks? I have a long day ahead and could really use the boost." The flight attendant, happy to accommodate, noticed Emily's distinctive nail art and couldn't help but compliment, "Those nails are stunning! Where did you get them done?" Delighted by the question, Emily eagerly shared, "Thank you so much! There's this amazing salon back home; they're incredibly creative. Though, they insisted I wear a mask the whole time for safety, but it was totally worth it." Their conversation, brief yet warm, added a personal touch to Emily's journey, blending the aesthetics of her online world with the realities of navigating public spaces during these cautious times.

About Plane Stories

"Plane Stories" is an anthology that takes readers on a journey through the lives of various passengers and crew aboard a flight from Toronto to New York City, just before the onset of the global pandemic. Each story unfolds in the confines of the aircraft, offering a unique glimpse into the personal struggles, dreams, and reflections of individuals from diverse walks of life. Each week will bring new characters to life.

About Troy

Troy Gonsalves is a Career Strategist | Marketer + Brander | Astrologer for High Preforming Purpose-Driven Professionals and Companies. Troy spent 14 year + in aviation and still supports many in the industry. While this is a work of fiction, it draws upon his 14 years of experience in the aviation industry for inspiration and career coach experience for professionals across various industries. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of my imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

www.checkinwithtroy.com