A crowded airplane was about to take off. But suddenly screaming and whaling filled the plan from front to back - a six year old boy began throwing a wild tempter tantrum. It seemed that Mom could do nothing to calm the kid down.
In the midst of the commotion, an older man wearing the uniform of a Marine calmly walked down the aisle toward Mom and boy. The man looked impressive - his body was still lean and this uniform full of medals and stripes.
He bent over and whispered something to the boy. And just like that the kid stopped crying, hopped up to his seat and fastened his seat belt.
The stunned travelers burst in applause as the older Marine walked back to his seat. As the man sat down, the passenger next to him asked, "What was it that you whispered to the boy that caused him to stop making such a scene?"
The Marine smiled and said, "I showed him all of my medals and stripes and told him that they gave me the authority to throw on passenger out of the plane door on any flight I choose."
Adapted from Ken Davis' book, "Lighten Up and Live," page 136
