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A Touching Farewell: Woman Receives Priceless Video of Last Goodbye with Father at Winnipeg Airport

2025-01-11

Author: Benjamin

In a heartwarming story that highlights the profound kindness of strangers, Megan Cyr has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. They aided her in retrieving security footage capturing her final moments with her father, a memory she now cherishes deeply.

“I think it’s a beautiful reminder that there are really good people in this world, and the kindness of strangers can go so far for someone,” said Megan, who originally hails from St. Andrews, Manitoba, but has been residing in Calgary, Alberta. Reflecting on the significance of the video, she noted, “It means more now than it did when I first got it.”

The poignant tale dates back to December 28, 2020, when a miscommunication led Megan to miss her flight after mistakenly believing it departed at 7 p.m. instead of the actual 7 a.m. resuming her trip to Calgary. Thankfully, this error gifted her an unexpected extra evening with her father, Curtis Cyr.

Early the next day, Curtis—known for his hard work as a firefighter—drove Megan to the airport. Concerned about the twelve homemade breakfast burritos packed in her carry-on, Curtis came inside the airport to ensure that not a single one would go to waste during the security check.

After successfully passing the burritos through the scanner, Megan shared a final thumbs-up with her dad, unknowingly marking the last time they would see each other, as Curtis tragically passed away from a heart attack on January 3, 2021.

Days later, while reflecting on her bittersweet farewell, Megan realized that capturing that moment on video could be invaluable. She reached out to the airport staff, fully aware it could be a long shot.

“I think it's pretty rare that anyone gets a recording of saying goodbye to their loved one,” she remarked. “I thought it would be kind of out of this world to get that footage.”

To her surprise, the airport employees diligently searched for the video, keeping Megan updated on their progress along the way. On January 20, 2021, she received the cherished footage.

“It was better than I could have expected,” Megan expressed. “It’s definitely a huge gift that I’m really able to appreciate even more four years later, because the grief has softened a little bit.”

The one-minute video provides a tender glimpse into her last moments with Curtis, showcasing them exchanging hugs and heartfelt conversation just before she passed through security. This footage has served as a powerful reminder of their bond and has significantly aided her during her grieving process.

“As you get further along in grief, it gets harder to remember and to feel what it was like to be with that person,” she explained. “This video encompasses my dad and I’s relationship. It’s a physical reminder I can watch, and that’s just incredible.”

Now, after four years, Megan feels compelled to share her experience to spread awareness of the goodness in humanity. “Loss and mourning has this beautifully heartbreaking way of connecting people,” she said, aiming to remind others that they are not alone, and that there are kind-hearted individuals out there.

She expressed infinite gratitude towards the airport staff who made this moment possible, stating, "There are no words to describe my appreciation. The fact that they went above and beyond for me is just an incredible act of kindness. I will be thankful for the rest of my life for that video.”

In a world that often feels overwhelmed with negativity, Megan’s story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the compassion that exists among us.