Sally has been a proud and dedicated member of two PLAN networks for years, and her unique perspective often reveals something extraordinary: while every family’s journey is different, sometimes their stories intersect in beautiful, unexpected ways.
Recently, two loved ones from two different networks—Christine and Stephanie—each boarded airplanes on the same weekend for life-challenging adventures, supported by their loving network members. These moments remind us that networks aren’t just about planning—they’re about opening doors to experiences that once felt out of reach.
For Christine, that door opened with the help of her lifelong friend Emily. Despite a busy life as a nurse and mother, Emily has always been there for Christine—whether it’s a favorite shopping trip or simply listening when needed. When Christine wanted to visit a friend in Calgary, anxiety made solo travel daunting. Emily, a mutual friend of them both, stepped in, turning what could have been a stressful experience into a joyful adventure for three old friends.
“Emily’s support makes it possible for Christine to have experiences she truly loves,” says Grace, Christine’s mom. Their flight wasn’t just a trip—it was a celebration of trust, friendship, and the freedom that comes from having someone by your side.
For years, Stephanie’s fear of flying kept her grounded. But with the unwavering support and thoughtful planning of her family and network—especially Margie, who accompanied her —Stephanie faced her fears and soared. They know each other well, Stephanie trusts Margie, and that enables them to grow together through thick and thin.
With Stephanie, it’s being with her through all the different aspects of her life, seeing her as a young teenager growing up, you know, I traveled to Disneyland with her, but I was also one of two people who sat with her during her mum’s funeral. So it’s being there with Stephanie for all these different events – that’s what’s enriching about the whole thing.
They boarded the small plane to visit Stephanie’s sister. The winds were gusty, the flight was bumpy, and there were tears in Stephanie’s eyes. Margie knew it was not uncommon for this to happen for Stephanie because they’ve flown together before and they flew through the turbulence bravely as a team.
Margie loves being friends with Stephanie and has this advice for people thinking about getting involved with someone’s network:
“Take the time to get to know the person, connecting with the people that’s what’s most enjoyable.”
Upon her return, when describing her experience to her dad, Ron, Stephanie communicated in her unique style.
Stephanie speaks with one word – One word said is a sentence, Two is a paragraph, and four is a page.
Her dad reports:
We were at the white spot. And after placing the order, I looked over and she was bumping around in her seat a little bit, moving a few inches. And she said, ‘bumpy, bumpy, bumpy’ smile, and I knew at that moment that she will fly again in an airplane. We’re arranging to fly [again] next June.
Ron summed it up perfectly: “Life can be bumpy, but Stephanie smiles.” Thanks to Margie and a loving network that believed in her, Stephanie discovered that the sky is no longer the limit.
These stories remind us why network longevity matters. It’s about more than planning—it’s about creating relationships that empower people to live fully, embrace new experiences, and feel the joy of belonging.
Sally, friend and network member of both Stephanie and Christine, knew something special was happening here. Because she’s been connected with both families for a long time and is rooted in relationship with them, she reached out to share the story.
You may not know the different roles you could play in a network until you dedicate time to relationships, opportunities to fly may be right around the corner. When networks take flight, lives soar.