Escort Journal

AA flight attendant Patti Gonzales and AA retired flight attendant (and captain's wife) Shelley Farrey

On Nov. 29, AA flight attendant Patti Gonzales and AA retired flight attendant (and captain's wife) Shelley Farrey escorted 6 children and an 18 year old young man from Brussels, Belgium to the U.S. The 6 children were from Liberia and were going to their adoptive families in the U.S. while Semeon, the young man, also from Liberia was going to Missouri for treatment for a serious and painful bone infection in his leg. They were escorted from Monrovia to Brussels by Cheryl Carter-Shotts, director ofthe adoption agency, Americans for African Adoptions.

"The experience has added so much to my life, spending the short time with all of them. The children deserve the opportunity now that so many of us take for granted. I fell in love with each and every one of them and they will pop into my brain for the rest of my life as I wonder and pray that their smiles just keep getting bigger and their chances to fulfill a rewarding life can be within reach now. Semion especially brings tears to my eyes just thinking about him. Before I complain about anything, I shall remember his eyes and think how strong this young man was. The emotion that both Shelley and I felt could be read on our faces without a word being said when it came to those kids. We will look at our own children with more spirit than we did, and add to their lives as we share with them what we experienced."                         

   by  Patti Gonzales

  "We found Cheryl Carter-Shotts and the 7 kids at the departure gate for American Airlines. The kids were adorable, all dressed in their native African-style attire. They were all so excited and anxious to meet their new families. Semion was a sweetheart, so very strong. You knew he was in pain with his leg, but he was a trooper and never complained or asked for anything. The kids were great on the airplane. Patti brought coloring books and we both brought stuffed animals for the kids. It was like Christmas in flight. Since Cheryl had been flying all night with them from Monrovia, we told her to sleep and Patti and I took care of the kids for most of the flight. They kept us busy. Each of their personalities were so cute and they were such happy little children in awe with what was happening to them. Jacob, the ring leader of the group and the big brother to all of them couldn't wait to meet his new dad. He was so proud that he knew his dad's name and was a very religious young man, praying before each meal in flight. We decided his sister Mardia will probably grow up to be a surgeon. She would spend 15 minutes in the bathroom scrubbing her hands, totally amazed with running water. Maima and Tarry, the other sibling group, were very sweet little girls who craved affection. Maima slept on Patti's lap for most of the flight. Alomesa found humor in everything and laughed at everything we said. Little Felicia will probably dance on Broadway someday. She had a dance step that she incorporated into her walk wherever she went. I think she heard music in her head because she was always dancing. Everywhere we went with this crew, we drew attention, but in such a positive way. Those children were like 6 bright and shining stars. Needless to say, there was not a dry eye among any of us when the union of children and new families finally did occur. I was so thrilled to have been a part of it."                                        

by Shelley Farrey                

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