I was feeling quite anxious to fly alone with my 10-month-old baby boy, only because the last time we flew, George screamed blood curdling screams on descent because of his poor ears and it was a traumatic experience. It also happened to be over a long weekend, so I knew the flight wasn’t going to be that empty.

As soon as I took my seat, I was pleasantly surprised by how kind strangers all around me were – they not only showed me kindness, but they made my whole experience so wonderful that they replaced my anxiety of flying with a little one with a sense of ease and confidence.

This is what I shared on social media:

“Today I was reminded of how wonderfully kind strangers can be. There really are Earth Angels! I was anxious to fly with George – only because my last trip was pretty traumatic with his poor ears & blood-curdling screams!

There was a lovely lady sitting next to us – she held him and entertained him when I really needed to get settled. It’s like they instantly had a bond! Whenever he would get niggly or have a little cry, others around me suddenly played peek-a-boo and tears were replaced with giggles.

The air hostess helped me distract him, while I changed George – who wriggles and rolls (it’s a workout trying to get a nappy on and off these days) 20 mins before descent, an Angel of a woman across the aisle from me, took him, stroked his forehead and like magic, he was fast asleep. He slept through it all – no ear problems at all and I am just so grateful to every stranger who was so good and kind to us!”

Kindness is the most beautiful thing!

It’s so true what they say. It really does take a village.

SA Davis Cup star, Lloyd Harris, has enjoyed one of the biggest wins of his young career by beating 1st seed, Vasek Pospisil at the Challenger event in Anning, China. 21-year old Harris has a career high ATP singles ranking of 199 achieved on 9 October 2017.

Lloyd beat the Canadian 7-5, 6-4 last Wednesday morning (SA time) to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Pospisil is currently ranked 82 in the world and previously has been as high as 25 in the rankings.

Harris eventually lost in the semi-final of the tournament, which was won by Italian Gianluigi Quinzi, but enjoyed a great end to the week, winning the doubles final at the same tournament with partner Aliaksandr Bury from Belarus.

The future is indeed bright for this young Capetonian.

Lloyd is a student at The Anthony Harris Tennis Academy in Cape Town. And if you are wondering, Anthony is not Lloyd’s dad.

The Anthony Harris Tennis Academy is a High Performance centre for junior and professional tennis players, located at the Sea Point Tennis Club in Bantry Bay, Cape Town. The Academy focuses solely, on producing future tennis champions, and runs a full day intensive training programme, six days a week.

Their facility includes three hard courts and a clay court – an essential part of training for international events.

The Academy is a multi-cultural, educational and sports organisation, that promotes the social, psychological and physical development of children and teaches them important life skills through sport.

The players are given the opportunity to develop to their full potential and hopefully become world class tennis champions, representing their country in International competitions, at all levels, like Lloyd.

The Academy’s vision is to provide as many children, as the facilities can accommodate, with a chance to play and participate in tennis, providing programmes that help with community development and to give talented children the chance to fulfill their dreams of being champions. Find them on social media @anthonyharristennisacademy.