Arlene sent her seven-year-old, Justin, to visit his father, Pierce, in Orlando. Pierce waited for his son in anticipation of all the fun they would have, but his flight had allegedly arrived, and his son was nowhere to be found. That’s when both parents started worrying and realized their shocking mistake.
Arlene and her son, Justin, were at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia. The seven-year-old was about to board a flight to Orland, Florida, where his father, Pierce, awaited him. It was the first time he had traveled as an unaccompanied minor, but luckily, the airline attendant made her feel safe.
“It’s going to be alright. Many minors travel alone around the country, and we should reach your husband in time,” she stated. “He’ll have an escort, and this flight is best because there are no connections. Everything will be perfect.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Arlene nodded, her face filled with emotion. Justin might be growing, but he was still a child. It was hard to let him go, mainly because he hadn’t seen his father in years. After their bitter divorce, Pierce moved from Virginia to Orlando, Florida, and he was busy most of the time.
“How is that possible?” Arlene wailed, almost starting to cry from the worry and exasperation. But something occurred to her at that moment. “Give me a second.”
However, his company had just given him a two-week vacation, and he invited Justin to come to spend time with him. They were going to the theme parks, so that Arlene couldn’t say no. Her son was too excited because he loved everything relating to superheroes and dinosaurs. It was his dream.
But now, she was almost regretting it. “Ok, Justin. You’re going to with this lady and get on the plane. Listen to the adults around. Don’t run off from your escort, and you’ll reach your dad soon. When you land in Orlando, you call me immediately. And then, call me again when you meet your father. Understand?” she requested, kneeling in front of the kid and holding his arms tenderly.
“Yes, Mom!” he replied, smiling and doing a makeshift military salute. This kid had a great sense of humor. He was going to love that trip.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Ok. Love you. Go on!” she continued and watched as Justin grabbed the attendant’s hand and entered the gate.
She thought about leaving but sat down at an airport café. She was going to wait for the plane to take off. But once she saw that the flight had taken off, she decided to stay and wait for Justin’s call if anything happened. After all, the flight was less than two hours long. The time would pass quickly.
***
Meanwhile, Pierce was waiting for Justin at Orlando International Airport, and he couldn’t wait. He was just as excited as the kid to see all the attractions at the park. It was crazy that he had lived in the city for years but had yet to attend. His work kept him way too busy. This trip was going to be amazing.
He arrived an hour before Justin’s flight and went to the arrival area to wait for him. Finally, the flight landed, and Pierce got closer to the gate so his son could see him immediately. “I should have made a sign,” he muttered to himself as he saw other people waiting for their loved ones. It was too late now. He stayed in the front at all times.
However, many passengers came out, and there was no Justin. According to the unaccompanied minor service, Arlene said that he would have top priority. So, someone should have brought him out already. He didn’t want to call her yet to avoid worrying her. Maybe, Justin had to go to the bathroom, which could explain the delay. He would wait for a while.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
But at one point, no other passengers were coming out of the arrival area. It had been an hour since the plane landed. It shouldn’t take that long. He approached someone from the airline and started asking questions. An attendant came to assist him.
“I’m sorry, sir. There was no one by the name of Justin on that flight. We have no record of an unaccompanied minor serviced hired for it either,” the attendant, shocking Pierce.
“That’s impossible. Please, check again,” he demanded, trying to stay calm, but the sweat on his forehead gave away his fears.
The assistant typed away on her computer, and Pierce’s phone rang. It was Arlene. Hopefully, she knew what was going on. “Hello?”
“Hey, Pierce. Why didn’t you guys call me when Justin arrived? I told him to call me when the plane landed and when you met with him,” Arlene wondered, and he could tell that she was agitated for some reason.
“Arlene, listen. I’m sorry to say this, but Justin has not arrived. An attendant here said that he was not on the flight. I don’t understand what’s going on,” he was forced to reveal, and Arlene yelled in his ear.
“No! That’s crazy! NO! Tell the attendant to check again!” she started yelling. “I’m going to talk to someone on my end too. I’m still at the airport.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Ok. Listen, calm down. Everything will be alright. There must be a mix-up or something,” he said, trying to calm his ex-wife because he knew she was prone to hysterics.
“I’m not calming down! This is our child, Pierce! Talk to you later!” she screamed and hung up.
“Sir, like I said. There was no Justin on the flight. There’s nothing I can do. Are you sure this is the airline?” the attendant asked.
“Yes! It’s the only flight that arrived at this time from Virginia! My son was on that flight. My ex-wife just confirmed. Please, help me, miss. He’s only seven. Can you call anyone? Should I call the police?” Pierce started asking questions rapidly. The attendant sighed and grabbed her phone.
***
“Justin, where are you? Why didn’t you call me sooner? What’s happening?” Arlene asked desperately on her phone.
“Mom, we have been trying to find Dad for hours, and he’s nowhere. Did you talk to him?” the little boy said through the phone.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Your father is right at the arrival area. He’s just as worried as I am. Please, give the phone to your escort,” Arlene requested and demanded an explanation from the woman, who only reiterated what Justin said earlier. There was no Pierce anywhere in the airport.
She told them to wait until she called again and dialed her ex’s number. “Pierce, Justin called me and said they’ve been looking for you for a long time. What’s going on?” she said, one hand running through her hair in frustration. She knew Justin was safe, but there was no reason why they couldn’t find each other.
“There’s no way, Arlene. That’s impossible. People here are saying he was not on the flight!” Pierce stated.
“How is that possible?” Arlene wailed, almost starting to cry from the worry and exasperation. But something occurred to her at that moment. “Give me a second.”
She went to her emails where she had sent Pierce the flight details. However, she had written them instead of sending a screenshot, and she suddenly realized her big mistake. “Pierce,” she started, again putting the phone in her ear. “Where are you?”
“What do you mean? I’m at Orlando International Airport. Why?” Pierce questioned, confused by her words. But something clicked in his brain at that moment.
“Justin arrived at Orlando Sanford International Airport!” Arlene yelled, and Pierce took off in a run.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Jesus! Arlene, why didn’t you say that in your email! Most flights got to MCO!” he scolded her breathlessly as he ran to his car. “I’ll be there in 30 minutes!”
While Pierce was on his way, Arlene called Justin and explained to his escort what had happened. She was relieved too, and they waited for Pierce to arrive.
Less than an hour later, Justin called her. “I’m with Dad, Mom! Thank you for helping me! I’ll send you pics of Disney soon!”
Arlene hung up the phone with her son and breathed deeply as if she couldn’t get enough air in her lungs. Finally, she walked to her car.
What can we learn from this story?
- You must send all the details of a flight and check several times. These poor parents worried so much because they had not communicated well enough. Luckily, nothing happened, and they resolved the issue.
- It’s always best to fly with your kids. While an unaccompanied minor service is perfect for busy parents and other situations, Arlene should have traveled with her son if she was going to worry so much. She would have avoided worrying so much.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who adopted a boy she found on the side of the road, and his father showed up years later.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
Dating Disasters Turned Comedy Gold: 9 Jokes You Can’t Miss!
Dating can be a minefield of awkward moments, unexpected mishaps, and unforgettable blunders. But sometimes, the worst dates make for the best laughs!
We’ve all been there — navigating the tricky waters of romance, only to end up with a story that’s more “oops” than “aww.” From blind date mishaps to creative loyalty tests, dating disasters are universal. But why cry over spilled wine at dinner when you can laugh about it instead?
We’ve rounded up nine hilarious jokes inspired by dating misadventures. Whether you’re single, taken, or somewhere in between, these punchlines will make your heart skip a beat — this time, from laughter!
A laughing woman | Source: Pexels
The Sunday School Surprise
I was swiping through a dating app and matched with someone who didn’t have a profile picture. Desperate for a change, I decided to take a chance and meet her.
I wasn’t expecting much, maybe someone a little rough around the edges, but when I arrived, I was floored. She was stunning: 5’2″, baby blue eyes, strawberry blonde hair, and all the right curves.
A young blonde woman | Source: Pexels
Impressed, I asked what she did for a living. “I teach Sunday school,” she said.
I’d never dated a Christian girl before, but I was intrigued. On the drive to dinner, I lit a cigarette and asked if she cared for one.
“Oh, heavens no,” she replied, “What would I tell my Sunday school children?”
A couple in a cafe | Source: Pexels
Fair enough, I thought. Some people smoke, some don’t.
At the restaurant, I ordered steak, she got lobster, and I requested the second-most expensive bottle of wine on the menu. When the wine arrived, she declined a glass.
“You don’t drink?” I asked, surprised.
A couple drinking coffee | Source: Pexels
She shook her head. “Oh, heavens no, what would I tell my Sunday school children?”
The dinner and conversation were amazing, but I couldn’t quite figure her out. On the drive home, I passed a cheap motel and figured, why not take a chance?
“Want to get a room and fool around?” I asked nervously.
A motel sign | Source: Pexels
She winked and said, “I thought you’d never ask!”
Surprised, I laughed and teased, “Really? What are you going to tell your Sunday school children about this?”
She grinned mischievously and said, “The same thing I tell them every week: You don’t have to smoke or drink to have a good time!”
A smiling blonde woman | Source: Freepik
The Widow’s Wardrobe Wisdom
Dorothy and Edna, two elderly widows, are talking.
Dorothy says, “That nice George Johnson asked me out for a date. I know you went out with him last week, and I wanted to talk with you about him before I give him my answer.”
Two elderly friends talking | Source: Pexels
Edna replies, “Well, I’ll warn you about what happened last week! George showed up at my apartment punctually at 7 P.M., dressed like such a gentleman in a fine suit, and he brought me such beautiful flowers!
Then he took me downstairs, and what was there but a luxury car… a limousine, uniformed chauffeur and all.
An elegant man | Source: Freepik
“Then he took me out for dinner… a marvelous dinner. Lobster, champagne, dessert, and after-dinner drinks. Then we went to see a show. Let me tell you, Dorothy, I enjoyed it so much I could have just died from pleasure! BUT THEN when we were coming back to my apartment, he turns into an ANIMAL!”
Dorothy exclaims, “Goodness gracious! What do you mean?”
A shocked elderly woman | Source: Pexels
“He tore my expensive dress off!”
“So, I shouldn’t go on a date with him?” Dorothy asks.
“No, I’m just saying… wear an old dress.”
A smiling elderly woman | Source: Pexels
Thomas’ Mom and Dad Dilemma
Thomas, 32, is still single. His friend asks, “Why haven’t you found a wife? Haven’t you met anyone you like?”
Thomas replies, “Oh, I’ve met plenty of wonderful women. But when I introduce them to my mom, she always disapproves.”
Two male friends talking | Source: Pexels
The friend suggests, “Easy fix—find someone just like your mom!”
Months later, they meet again. The friend asks, “So, did you try my advice?”
Thomas sighs, “I found a woman just like my mom. She’s perfect, and my mom adores her.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
A happy couple | Source: Pexels
“My dad can’t stand her.”
Blind Date Backup Plan
I went on a blind date with someone I met on a dating app. Neither of us had profile pictures, but I consider myself quite handsome. Still, I was nervous. What if she wasn’t my type?
A nervous man | Source: Pexels
Thankfully, I found an app called “Mom, Are You OK?” It schedules your phone to ring right after meeting your date. If you like them, you ignore the call. If not, you answer, “Mom? What’s wrong?” and quickly exit.
When I knocked on her door, my worries disappeared. She was absolutely stunning. But before I could say a word, her phone rang.
A happy woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels
“Mom? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
The Perfect Catch
A man is dining alone in a fancy restaurant when he notices a stunning redhead at the next table. Though he’s too shy to say hello, he can’t stop glancing her way.
Suddenly, she sneezes, and much to his surprise, a glass eye flies out of its socket, hurtling straight at him. He catches it mid-air with lightning reflexes and hands it back to her.
A man holding a glass eyeball | Source: Midjourney
Embarrassed, she says, “I’m so sorry! Please, let me buy your dinner to make it up to you.”
He joins her, and they have dinner, watch a show, order drinks, and have a deep conversation. At the end of the night, she invites him over, and he stays.
The next morning, she whips up a gourmet breakfast. Amazed, he says, “You’re absolutely perfect. Are you this kind to every guy you meet?”
A smiling man in bed | Source: Pexels
She smiles and replies, “Nope. You just happened to catch my eye.”
The Gym’s Secret Attraction Machine
After a tough breakup, I decided to turn my life around. Step one: Hit the gym to get back in shape and maybe catch the attention of someone special.
At the gym, I asked the trainer, “Which machine here will help me attract the most beautiful women?”
A man talking to a coach in a gym | Source: Pexels
He sized me up, paused, and said, “The ATM outside.”
A Mixed-Up Christmas Surprise
A man decides to buy his new girlfriend a Christmas present. Since they’ve only been dating for three weeks, he wants something thoughtful but not overly personal. He settles on a pair of elegant gloves.
A shopping mall during Christmas | Source: Pexels
To ensure he picks the right style, he asks her younger sister to come along and offer her opinion. The sister points out a chic pair of white gloves at the store, which he purchases. While shopping, the sister also buys herself a pair of panties.
Unbeknownst to them, the cashier accidentally swaps the packages. The man unknowingly ends up with the panties in the gift box instead of the gloves.
Two gift boxes | Source: Pexels
Feeling proud of his choice, he pens a heartfelt note to include with the gift:
My Dearest,
I chose these because I noticed you don’t usually wear any when we go out in the evenings.
If it weren’t for your sister, I’d have picked the longer style with buttons, but she said the shorter ones are easier to take off.
A man writing a note | Source: Pexels
They’re a delicate shade, but the saleswoman assured me they won’t show wear even after being used for three weeks. She even tried them on for me, and they looked fantastic!
I wish I could be there to help you put them on the first time. I’m sure others will handle them before I get the chance to see you again, but that’s okay.
When you take them off, don’t forget to blow inside to keep them fresh. They may feel a little damp after wearing, which is perfectly natural.
A white glove | Source: Freepik
Just think about how many times I’ll kiss them throughout the year. I hope you’ll wear them on Christmas Eve for me.
P.S. The latest trend is to fold them down slightly to let a bit of fur show.
A woman wearing white leather gloves | Source: Midjourney
The $5,000 Test
A man is dating three women and struggling to decide which one he should marry. To make his choice easier, he comes up with a test.
He gives each woman $5,000 and observes what they do with the money.
An envelope with money | Source: Pexels
The first woman spends all the money on herself. She visits an upscale salon for a makeover, buys a new wardrobe, and splurges on accessories. She tells him, “I wanted to look my best for you because I love you.”
The man is impressed.
A woman in a SPA | Source: Pexels
The second woman uses the money to buy him gifts. She gets him a premium set of golf clubs, upgrades his computer, and buys him tailored suits. Handing him the presents, she says, “I spent it all on you because I want to make you happy—I love you.”
Again, the man is impressed.
A shocked man | Source: Pexels
The third woman invests the money in the stock market. After making a significant profit, she returns his $5,000 and places the rest into a joint account. She explains, “I wanted to grow our future together because I love you.”
The man is blown away by her financial savvy.
He thinks long and hard about the women and their choices.
A man deep in thought | Source: Pexels
Finally, he marries the one with the biggest breasts.
Love and Semantics
An elderly couple, both widowed, had been dating for quite some time. After much encouragement from their friends, they finally decided to tie the knot.
One evening, before the wedding, they sat down for dinner to discuss finances, living arrangements, and so forth.
An elderly couple talking | Source: Pexels
Eventually, the gentleman cleared his throat and cautiously broached a sensitive topic: their physical relationship.
“How do you feel about making love?” he asked hesitantly.
The lady thought for a moment, then replied with a gentle smile, “I would like it infrequently.”
A woman with a soft smile | Source: Pexels
The man sat in thoughtful silence, adjusted his glasses, leaned closer, and softly asked, “Is that one word or two?”
Liked these jokes? Here are some more!
Marriage Counseling with a Twist
After 30 years of marriage, a husband and wife sit in front of a therapist. The wife starts in on a long list of grievances: “He doesn’t listen to me, he’s distant, we haven’t been close in ages. I feel neglected, lonely, unloved…”
A couple in therapy | Source: Pexels
She keeps going and going, pouring out years of frustration. Finally, the therapist stands up, walks around his desk, and approaches the wife.
He asks her to stand and proceeds to lean in and give her a long, passionate kiss. The husband looks on in surprise, and the wife? She’s left completely speechless by the intensity of their therapist’s kiss.
A shocked woman | Source: Pexels
The therapist turns to the husband and says, “Your wife needs this at least three times a week if you’re serious about saving your marriage. Can you manage that?”
The husband sits there, thinking for a moment before responding, “Well, sure. I can bring her by on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.”
A couple in therapy | Source: Pexels
Leave a Reply