Impact of a Stranger: Coping with the Loss of a Father
Roxanne Olson, accompanied by her father Richard, embarked on a journey that would change her life forever.
Roxanne Olson and her dad Richard.
Exploring the theme of unsung heroes, this narrative sheds light on the profound impact of a stranger following the death of a father.
At the age of 23 in 1999, Roxanne Olson left her hometown of Eureka, California, to pursue a career opportunity as an assistant producer on a reggae tour across the country. However, tragedy struck mid-tour when she received devastating news of her father’s sudden passing due to a heart attack.
“I was so young that the concept of death hadn’t quite registered in my world. It was a complete and utter shock,” Olson recounted.
Despite managing to secure a flight back home, her journey took an unexpected turn upon landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. An incident involving a passenger breaching security protocols led to the temporary closure of a section of the airport.
The impact of her father’s death on a stranger resonated throughout this challenging ordeal, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences.
Olson recalled the evacuation of over 6,000 individuals from O’Hare airport that day. Surrounded by strangers on the sidewalk, she watched helicopters flying above. Amid the chaos, following her father’s passing, she described the situation as surreal. Allowed back into the airport after hours of waiting, Olson found it in disarray. Feeling lost and overwhelmed, she didn’t know where to turn. A stranger, pushing an empty wheelchair, approached her offering assistance. The woman’s words, “I’m here to help people like you,” resonated with Olson, impacted by her father’s death.
The Impact of a Stranger on Her Life
Upon feeling relieved, Olson settled into the wheelchair. While being guided through the airport by the woman, Olson shared the story of her father’s passing and her urgent need to return to California.
“She displayed remarkable empathy towards my situation — communicating with the necessary authorities, she managed to secure a seat for me on the very next flight,” Olson recounted.
On that same day, Olson successfully made it back home. The memory of the compassionate woman who facilitated her journey remains etched in Olson’s heart.
“There was an innate understanding within her that I was in distress and in need of assistance. She truly rescued me,” Olson expressed gratefully.
For more inspiring stories like this, check out the My Unsung Hero podcast — new episodes are available every Tuesday. To contribute the tale of your unsung hero to the Hidden Brain team, simply record a voice memo on your phone and send it to [email protected].
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