When Emily Cross boarded a small flight from Durban to Cape Town, she wasn’t expecting a message, let alone one that felt like it came from someone she’d just lost.
South Africa (13 July 2025) – Sometimes, the universe gives us a moment, a small, quiet nudge, to remind us that we’re not alone. And this week, Emily Cross experienced exactly that.
The 29-year-old from Durban, who works as a producer for the Mr Price shoot team, had a strange, serendipitous encounter that left her more than a little stunned… and deeply moved.
“I had a special moment happen to me this week. A bit weird, a bit odd but definitely special,” she shared in a message to Good Things Guy. “I had to take a quick in-and-out flight to Cape Town from Durban to witness a signature. Already, the trip felt unusual.”
The flight was with CemAir, a smaller airline, and the plane only had about nine passengers. Emily chose her “usual spot” at the back and was thrilled to find she had the whole row to herself. Despite having packed more entertainment than most people bring on a week-long holiday, downloaded series, a book, her sketch pad and an iPad, she quickly grew restless.
That’s when she spotted the in-flight magazine.
“FlySafair flights never have them, so I decided to flip through it,” she said.
And then… something unexpected.
“After about two flips, deep in the spine, I saw a folded piece of paper. Me being the nosey little person I am, I instantly opened it to read it.”
It was a handwritten letter. Addressed to someone named “Emily”.
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“I know the letter was definitely meant for a little girl on tour — but did it also help a 29-year-old ‘teenager’ who handles all shoots for the biggest fashion retailer in the country and has five solid grey hairs? Yes.”
The words in the letter were simple, uplifting, and strikingly personal, like something her late grandfather might have said.
Dear Emily
I hope you enjoy every moment of the tour! Play every game just like you always do and bring your energy to the field. You are seriously so good at what you do. Keep being your awesome self and make the most of this tour!
Emily lost her grandfather in December and has been trying to find her footing in the months since.
“I don’t know what I believe in but this was a special little bit of magic to come across.”
She’s decided to keep the letter, frame it and place it on her desk as a daily reminder to stay strong, stay joyful, and keep going.
And while she acknowledges that the letter wasn’t written for her, it somehow still found her, in a moment when she needed it most.
“Also can we take a moment to see that whichever little person wrote this for their friend Emily is the absolute sweetest?”
A forgotten note. A shared name. A bit of comfort in the clouds. Sometimes, the smallest gestures, even ones never meant for us, can remind us how wonderfully connected we all are.
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