When a United Airlines pilot had the chance to surprise his mother, he certainly made the most of it with a heartfelt speech that left many in tears.
United Pilot Surprises Mother On Flight Home
34-year-old Jerome Lawrence began flying lessons at age 17. Today he is a first officer with United Airlines. He credits his parents, Gwendoline and John Lawrence, with making this possible. They supported him from an early age and encouraged him to work hard to become a commercial airline pilot.
One goal, though went unrealized:
“I always wanted to fly my mom and dad as an airline pilot because they saw the dream. They saw me through it all so it was always a goal of mine to do that.”
Sadly, his father died before he could fly them both, passing on Christmas Day last year. But when an opportunity arose to fly his 62-year-old mother, he did so…and made it a surprise.
The first order of business was ensuring that his mother did not see him at the airport or onboard the flight, at least initially. “But everyone from the gate agents to the flight attendants, even my captain, everyone was like, ‘OK, cool. Let’s make this happen,'” said Lawrence.
The plan worked. Onboard UA2353 from Houston (IAH) to Port of Spain (POS) in Trinidad and Tobago, after his mother was seated (in the front cabin), Lawrence began his speech:
“It’s a special moment for me I’d like to share with you guys. There’s a lady in here — she’s in first class — is my mom…I can’t even begin to express how important it is to share this moment with you. It’s been a long road for us. My dad should have been here on this flight. But he decided to fly higher than all of us. He’s up there with the other angels watching over us, and so, again, thank you for flying United. Thank you for being here with us.”
The flight marked not only the first time he flew his mother, but also his first return to Trinidad and Tobago in 17 years.
He ended his speech with a word of encouragement to all parents onboard:
“Keep encouraging your children to be great and do whatever it is that they want to, because without the support of my mother and my father, I wouldn’t be here flying you down to Port of Spain.”
As a parent of two, I concur.
This is a lovely story, and all captured on video:
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image: Jerome Lawrence
@Matthew, Nice story! This reminds me of the pilot son and F/A mother. Can’t remember if you posted about it or if it was on the news.
Such an awesome story!
I cried. Tears of happiness.
What a beautiful story. We need more uplifting stories like this. I hope I get to fly with him someday.
Barf.
LOL
Great story! Why so many years before this magical flight?
Thank you, Matthew, for sharing the video and writing about such a positive event!