When kids grow up, spread their wings and fly the nest, it’s tough for parents. Especially around the holidays. A much quieter home now void of laughter can seem so barren.
Many parents would move heaven and earth to spend time with their kids whether they’re off at college, enlisted in the military or pursuing a career that keeps them away from home. Hal is no different and struggled with how often his globe-traveling daughter was gone.
He missed his daughter Pierce T. Vaughan so much due to her job as a flight attendant circling the globe, which kept her away quite often. When the holidays rolled around, Hal devised the craziest plan designed to spend as much time with his daughter as he could for Christmas and make sure she had family with her, too.
Since Pierce had to be in the air Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, Hal decided to capitalize upon her career choice and book not one, not two, not even three … but SIX flights on her Delta Airlines routes.
Hal’s seatmate Mike Levy couldn’t believe the doting dad’s story. He sat there dumbfounded when he learned that Hal willingly had sat on several flights so far, just to see his daughter in a most creative way during the holidays.
They swapped life stories on the flight from Fort Myers to Detroit. Mike was so inspired by Hal that he took a selfie of the two of them, along with Pierce’s pic, and posted their beautiful story on his Facebook page.
“I had the pleasure of sitting next to Hal on my flight back home. His daughter Pierce was our flight attendant who had to work over Christmas. Hal decided he would spend the holiday with her. So, he is flying on each of her flights today and tomorrow around the country to spend time with his daughter for Christmas. What a fantastic father! Wish you both a very Merry Christmas!”
Facebookers could not believe Hal’s holiday adventure and Mike’s post about the father-daughter duo quickly went viral. People praised Hal for his dedication and devotion to his daughter to make sure she wasn’t without family for the holidays.
“Great story especially this time of year Merry Christmas!”
Hal earned some pretty impressive praise for his endearing endeavors, but the modest man shrugged it off. He didn’t think twice about his journey.
“Best Dad ever. In these days I love these special stories.”
“What an awesome Dad! She will remember this forever!”
Pierce also shared her and her father’s story on her own Facebook account where she thanked those who helped her and her darling dad spend Christmas together in the air. She also gave a shout out to Mike who kept her dad company on one of his half a dozen flights in a two-day span.
“Look ma we made it Kimberly Hal Vaughan! Dad’s first trip using his benefits was a success! A special thanks to all of the patient, wonderful gate agents around the country and my perfect crew. He made it on every flight and even got first class RSW-DTW (Christmas miracle). Shout out to Mike Levy for being a great first class passenger & helping us to understand how cool this actually is!”
Even more people swooned over Pierce and Hal’s relationship and what her dad did for her for the holidays. It was the feel good story of the month if not the year!
“You have a very special father! May God bless you and your family. Safe travels. Greetings from Fort Wayne, IN!”
This bought tears to my eyes! Sending festive wishes from England, UK.”
“I can’t tell you what that kind of gift would mean to me. For all of us who can no longer see our dads, I’m so happy that you can cherish yours! Keep this memory close always.”
Hal showed everyone that no matter how old his daughter may be, she’d always be his baby girl, the one he’d fly back and forth across the country six times just to be with.
