The trip from Atlanta to San Francisco began with the typical pandemonium of flying with a 14-month-old. My kid was fussy and fussing, and I could feel the disapproving looks of other passengers.
Anxiety built in my gut as I did everything to calm her down, but nothing helped.
About an hour into the journey, a friendly-looking man across the aisle offered assistance. “Do you want me to hold your baby for a while? I have a kid around the same age, so I understand how difficult it can be. Let me take her out for a while; I believe I can calm her down.”
Exhausted and yearning for some calm, I hesitated but accepted his offer. Suddenly, she stopped crying and began to smile. Relieved, I turned to get my laptop, but as I looked back, my heart dropped. The man was whispering to my baby, his look becoming ominous.
Panic overcame me. I forced myself to remain calm and said, “Excuse me, I think I need to take her back now.” He smiled kindly and handed her back without resistance. I hugged her tight, felt her heart pounding against mine.
After arriving, I reported the event to airport security. They analyzed the tape and spoke with the individual. It found out he was a well-known child psychologist who frequently comforted children during flights. His intents had been completely innocuous.