Flying with children can be a struggle at the best of times. So, any parent who has to catch a plane alone, without a fellow adult for support, deserves a medal.
Not only do mums and dads have to soothe their children, but they often have to contend with irritable passengers. Lots of flyers hate being seated near little ones, despite knowing families often need to travel, just like them.
Unfortunately for one mum, her recent trip may have been dampened by the "narky comments" a passenger made about her and her kids mid-flight. But in a happier turn of events, fellow passengers came to the rescue.
One woman went so far as to write her a kind note, though she wasn't able to get it to the mum. Keen to pass on her words of encouragement, the stranger took to Facebook in the hope of finding the parent.
Explaining her intention, she wrote: "To the beautiful mum of two little ones (James? 3 and little girl about 1yrs old) on JQ656 from Brisbane in seats 3D,E,F this afternoon (Sunday 8th Jan).
"I'm so sorry that crusty man sitting next to my husband got grumpy. Your (sic) a great mum. You're so brave flying solo with two little ones. You didn’t deserve his narky comments. I wrote this note and was going to give it to you at baggage collection but couldn't find you.
"I really hope this finds you - wherever you are. Just to know that I am in your corner and not scare you from flying again x. Don't let him spoil your sparkle xxx."
The woman accompanied her post with a copy of her booking confirmation and a photo of the note she had scribbled on Jetstar paper. "You're a good mum, don't let anyone let you think otherwise," it read. "You've got this."
She also reassured commenters passengers assisted the mum during the flight, when someone asked if anyone had "put the grumpy guy back in his place."
The note's author replied: "Yes. I was in shock and didn't hear the whole exchange. I did entertain the little girl for the remainder of the flight and offered to watch them if she needed to use the bathroom. Hubby helped her with her bags."
In response, people were quick to praise the mum and her supporters for their efforts.
"Thank you so much for your kindness. I know anyone who has ever flown with young children and especially alone really appreciates your gesture," read one such reply.
A second said: "How sweet of to be so kind to her & her two kids! Well done and well done mum of being a great mum."
Meanwhile, someone else claimed to know the parent and said she had passed on the kind words. "I know who this is and have passed on the message," she promised.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.