I boarded the plane, expecting a quiet trip, but found myself sitting next to a nervous young boy, alone and clutching a safety card. As the plane took off, he handed me a crumpled note with a ten-dollar bill. The note read: “My son, who has autism, is sitting next to you. Please be kind and patient.”

Touched by the mother’s trust, I texted her, assuring her that her son was fine. She replied, “Thank you so much, Derek. He’s had a rough few days, but I know he’ll be okay with you there.” I engaged the boy, Elliot, in conversation, bought him a snack, and even took a selfie with him. Gradually, he opened up, sharing his excitement about seeing his mom.

Upon landing, I walked with Elliot to meet his mother, Diane, who was visibly relieved to see him. She thanked me emotionally, and we struck up a conversation. Before long, I found myself asking her out for coffee.

Two years later, Diane and I are married, and Elliot is my stepson. Diane loves to tell how “a crumpled note and a ten-dollar bill led to the best thing that ever happened to us.”