The North Pole

Last Christmas, my husband and I had a unique and special experience at the airport. I’d like to share it with you, to remind you of the spirit of Christmas.

Every year Bethel mens basketball plays at a tournament in Florida, the week before Christmas. Last year’s tournament was in Miami. My husband and I arrived at the Detroit Metro airport, McNamara terminal. We walked into the terminal and immediately heard a jazz band playing Christmas music as travelers walked into the airport. The band members were all dressed in some type of Christmas attire, and the mood in the airport was joyful and upbeat. Everyone had a little extra bounce in their step. We were also greeted by [fully-costumed] Elves standing at the entrances to the airport. That made us laugh a little! We each got a friendly “Hello, and Merry Christmas!” Unlike typical experiences entering the airport, where people are rushed and stressed, the airport had an unusual and welcomed Christmas spirit. I was immediately happy as I hummed along with the band.

The Delta check in line where all the travelers were filing in to was moderately long. We noticed another Delta check-in counter right beside the one with all the passengers, so we walked over to that one because there was no line. We approached the Delta agent and she politely smiled and said, “You may be in the wrong line; this plane’s going to the North Pole.” My husband and I smiled and looked at one another. I immediately had several thoughts rushing into my head. I’m sure the puzzled looks on our faces were priceless. I was thinking , “Wait, there IS a North Pole?!” Because she was obviously serious! Then I thought, “Wait, who actually goes to the North Pole?” “Did she just say what I think she said?” Then she politely directed us over to the longer Delta line. No one else was in line behind us. My husband and I sheepishly walked away, clearly puzzled, and asked each other what that was all about? I asked him as we walked away, “Who flies to the North Pole?” We got in the line and continued to process that conversation, all the while still feeling the total Christmas spirit, as the elves continued to greet people and the band continued to play Christmas music.

When we got up to the counter, the older gentleman asked us the usual check in questions. We took care of our luggage check in, and he bid us farewell. We turned to leave, and I had to ask! I said, “Sir, we were in the other line over there, and the agent told us that plane was going to the North Pole.” He smiled, a knowing smile, and answered, “Yes, it does!” My husband and I again looked at one another and he observed our confusion. We looked over to that counter, and there was now a family getting checked in there, parents and a child.

The man explained, “Delta offers a flight to the North Pole for children who are terminally ill and this is probably going to be their last Christmas.” I felt like I wanted to cry at that moment, but I still had so many questions. Thankfully, he continued, “The plane taxies around the runway for an hour, without ever leaving, but it simulates a flight. When the plane “lands”, the families exit and enter a hangar set up as “The North Pole” where Delta workers have created a North Pole experience for the sick kids.” He went on to say that he and his wife worked it for years and years, and eventually couldn’t take the sadness of the families, knowing it was their last Christmas with their child. I was looking down, trying to hold back my emotions, it was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever heard of.  I raised my head up to make eye contact with him, to see him teared up and struggling to tell us the rest. Once more, I looked over to the family at the check in, and was so overcome with sadness. My husband and I all exchanged a final look at one another, and we all slowly just offered kind smiles as we turned to walk away. I don’t think my husband and I talked for several minutes, as we just tried to take in what we’d just heard. At that moment, I knew I’d never forget that conversation for the rest of my life.

You can read more about this if you google “North Pole Fantasy Fights.” I have read through a couple of the write-ups. There are several airports across the USA that host this event. Looks like airport personel, retired airport workers, and volunteers make this event happen. Maybe that is something to consider helping with in the future? Sounds like a life-changing event, and a beautiful way to bless hurting families.

Praying you’ve been able to experience the joy of Christmas this season.

Rosemary Fisher