Uplifting Moment In Las Vegas

What was a good experience in the midst of difficulty?

During a tough moment, I had a surprisingly pleasant encounter with a young man. Like me, he was upset because his flight had been canceled in Las Vegas. While we were both waiting in line for the ticket‑counter agent—about two hours later—we struck up a conversation.

He told me he was serving in the Army, having enlisted because many of his friends had done the same. I thanked him for his years of service, and he wished me “good luck” as I headed to speak with the airline’s representative. Afterward, I had to find another carrier to get home.

Looking back, I realize I could have asked for advice about lodging—airlines often arrange accommodations for passengers they’ve stranded. Instead, I ended up spending the night in the airport’s outer vestibule. It wasn’t ideal, but at least I was indoors, near vending machines, and under surveillance, so I felt safe.

Overall, the experience wasn’t terrible, and the brief connection with the serviceman added a bright spot to an otherwise stressful situation.