Flight 11-11 (Non-Stop to Heaven)

On January 14th, 2013 at 4:14 p.m. in her home in,Playa del Rey, California, Barbara Griffin was called by the Sky Desk to work a special flight assigned just for her. She was excited to be back in the air once again – a place she loved and had been complimented for her actions many times with orchid letters from her passengers and praise from her supervisors. This combination resulted in her being nominated as United’s “Stewardess of the Year” by her Los Angeles-based supervisors in the 1970s.

Although this was the first time she had worked Flight 11-11, she was not intimidated by the unique aircraft, and was anxious for the new adventure which allowed her to be back with her admiring passengers and friends. She was happy having the “A-Stew” position assigned to her – a position she had flown many times over the years.

As her flight took off, she was amazed at the view out her jump seat window. This window was large and tinted, and it allowed her to see colors she had never seen before. Even the trees and waterways she flew over had a special sculptured look. She was in awe of the beauty.

Once the scenery started to disappear, she turned her attention to the first class cabin. Seeing Jay, her late husband, seated in the section looking handsome and young made her heart flutter. As her focus moved from his smiling face to others in the cabin, she realized she knew them all and had loved them deeply.

Within minutes the flight started its descent. When the plane landed and the stained glass door opened she was embraced with pure love, mixed with harmony and contentment --emotions she frequently expressed to others during her earth’s journey. As her passengers deplaned, and she followed them, her wings started to appear. Barbara Griffin had made it to a special place – a place populated with elevated souls surrounded by pure love and beauty.

We stewardesses at United Air Lines who had flown with Barbara loved her dedication and loyalty. She will be remembered in our hearts as one of the few who had a true passion for what she did and spread her contagious love of job to whatever flight she flew.

Safe travels, Barbara. We miss you already.

With a loving heart,

BJD