Recently, we lost a singer that somehow managed to bring together people of varying cultures, by simply being himself. Jimmy Buffett’s ability to bring joy and entertainment to so many was unparalleled. I have been to many Buffett concerts and watched as some of the world’s most unique people danced, drank margaritas, and wore Hawaiian shirts together for hours. It was a party that everyone was invited to.
I actually met Jimmy Buffett once, although it was not my finest moment. I had recently been hired by my first large airline. I worked for the wonderful, but now gone, Piedmont Airlines. Yes, I was a Piedmonster, and proud of it! Those of us who stuck it out through think and thin are now part of American Airlines. I however, left to raise my family and came back into the business later with one of AA’s biggest competitors.
How did I meet Jimmy Buffett? Well, I have always been a bit of a “rule follower” (it’s just how I manage to stay out of trouble… my karma isn’t good enough not to). I was even more so in my early days as a flight attendant. We had a young girl seated in First Class one day, ehh, she was maybe 8-10 years old. I was working as the lead FA that day in the front cabin, and the young girl kept telling me her daddy was a rock star. I was extremely busy on that flight from Charlotte to Tallahassee and didn’t really have the time to stop to question her. I mean, after all… aren’t we ALL rock stars!? Once we landed, I grabbed her paperwork and took her off the aircraft and into the gate area. Keep in mind, this was the mid-eighties, and there was very little in the way of “security.” Back then, passengers just walked in the front door and straight to their gates. 911 simply hadn’t happened yet and trust wasn’t really an issue. Additionally, all we did in those days, was looked to see “who” was supposed to meet the child (unaccompanied minor), check their drivers license to make sure they were who they said they were, they signed the paper, and we hand off the child. Remember, I was new… and a rule follower. As we make our way out into the gate area, the man standing there was obviously her dad, but the rule is “ask for the driver’s license.” So, I asked. The man looked at me sort of dumbfounded for a moment and said, “seriously?” … To which I confidently replied… “Yes, seriously.” He nodded his head, said “oookay,” and off he went to get his wallet. No questions asked. The little girl however, looked at me like I had lost my mind. Taken back by her reaction, I took notice, once again, of the name on the paper. I had looked at it before, but the name “James Buffett” didn’t register in my brain… until that very moment. HORRIFIED, at my stupidity, I began to apologize profusely when he returned. Of course, when he returned, he was no longer wearing his sunglasses, they were placed up on top of his baseball hat, which was now propped back on his head. I apologized, then apologize even more. He smiled as humbly as anyone could have hoped for and just said… “No problem, I am just glad you are this careful with my daughter.” His daughter, however, rolled her eyes at me for being a complete idiot, but Jimmy Buffet was kind and reassuring in my moment of stupidity. We chatted briefly… okay, actually I apologized more, then he and his daughter went on their way. I had always enjoyed his music, but that day… I became A FAN, a Parrot Head.
His kindness and humility during my moment of ignorance was how you’d hope anyone would react. He could have easily made a comment like… don’t you know who I am?… But he didn’t. He followed the rules without question and thanked me for it in the end. I was humbled and grateful for his kindness. The music world and humanity truly lost a wonderful soul. As the sun sets on Margaritaville, may you Rest in Peace, James Buffett.
Drink a salty one with St. Peter for me! Peace be with you always.
Donna Fera
AuthorDonna Fera‘s writing invites readers to explore unknown worlds alongside courageous heroes as they face thrilling challenges and uncover hidden secrets. With a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Donna is able to take her readers on amazing journeys that draw upon her background in research and learning practices. Combined with her experience in the airline industry and special projects, Donna creates stories that captivate readers with their combination of organizational detail and customer service resolution. Join Donna on this remarkable journey!
