Everyone has a breaking point. We spend our lives trying to hold it together and ride out the storms, but sooner or later—no matter how strong you are—the world comes crashing down.
As Russell Lehmann shared on Facebook this week, he too knows the feeling all too well.
“After having my flight delayed and missing my connection for the second time in two days, I succumbed to the worst meltdown of my life at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.”
That’s when a man named David—who works for American Airlines—found Russell curled up behind a vacant ticket counter.
“I was crying my eyes out, rocking back and forth as my muscles convulsed at a rapid pace. Sweating profusely, I was hyperventilating while my body shook in terror.”
Russell had reached his breaking point.
Most people would just stare at this grown man having a complete meltdown, with strange looks and judgmental snarks. But not David.
“David calmly approached me, and with the utmost compassion, he asked me what was wrong. I was barely able to get any words out. I believe I mumbled the words ‘I don’t know. I can’t think, I have autism.’”
Russell, a motivational speaker, author and advocate, had a speaking arrangement the next morning. Missing his flight connection meant he would never make it to Cincinnati in time to deliver his speech.
David crouched down next to Russell and let him know there was still a way to get him on a plane that night. All hope was not lost.