Children losing their teeth is a shared experience, often marked by the excitement of finding a few coins or dollars under the pillow from the tooth fairy.
However, 6-year-old Lena's tooth fell out at 35,000 feet, leading to an adorable intervention from the flight's pilot. Good Morning America shared this heartwarming story, and it’s too charming not to share.
While traveling from New York to South Carolina with her mother, Lauren Larmon, Lena fell asleep on the plane. Upon waking, she discovered her tooth had fallen out, causing some distress. Lena told Good Morning America, “I was sleeping on the airplane. My mom woke me up, and we were about to pick up our suitcases. I said, ‘Mommy, mommy, I think my tooth fell out.’”
Lena's tooth wasn't expected to come out yet, so losing it during their long journey was a surprise. Lena was understandably upset after realizing the tooth was missing and unable to reboard the plane due to closed security. She worried aloud, “I was like, ‘We’re never gonna find my tooth again!’”
Fortunately, Lena's story had a sweet twist. United Airlines pilot Captain Josh Duchow stepped in to help. “Captain Josh,” as Lena affectionately calls him, decided to write a letter to the tooth fairy on her behalf. The note read, “Dear Tooth Fairy, Lena had a tooth fall out on our flight to Greenville. Please take this note in place of her tooth.” It was signed “Captain Josh.”
It seems that the tooth fairy trusted the word of an airline captain. Lena was thrilled to find that the tooth fairy accepted the note and even left a response saying, “Lena, it is OK that you lost your tooth on the airplane. I will get it. Keep brushing.”
Larmon shared the touching story on her Facebook and Instagram, praising United Airlines for their kindness. Her post read, “In a world full of bad airline stories, @united came through when Lena fell asleep on her flight home and woke up without a tooth.
Concerned the tooth fairy wouldn’t visit because the tooth was on the airplane, the pilot saw Lena trying to go back through security and helped her out. Thank you, Captain Josh! The Tooth Fairy will accept this note instead of a tiny tooth. ✈️”
This heartwarming story highlights a thoughtful pilot's kindness and the tooth fairy's magic. Lena’s tale reminds us of the simple joys and the unexpected acts of kindness that can make all the difference.