Grace at 30,000 Feet
MEL to Singapore. Booked the day before Christmas.
I wasn’t paying $11k for business class on a flight that short.
My first international trip sober — back in cattle class.
Next to me sat a Sikh man, turban and all, no English.
When the drinks came, he scanned the labels, pointed, and settled on vodka with soda.
I was in the aisle — the free bottles of booze just 50 cm from my head.
Twenty minutes later, after his vegetarian meal, the cart returned.
This time it was Bradford — in a business class uniform, flustered, pushing the trolley down economy.
And if it’s possible to look like a Bradford, this guy did.
He stopped beside me, offered a drink. I declined.
But my neighbour was keen for another vodka.
Bradford tried to show him the labels, but it was lost in translation.
So I stepped in: “Last time he had vodka and soda.”
Bradford poured a strong one — as they do on Qantas.
Then I asked: “You look frustrated?”
He explained: he was meant to be cooking for his partner back in Melbourne.
But a couple of crew had called in sick.
Five hours later, he found himself in a business class uniform,
pushing the cart in economy for the first time in six years.
He’d lost the rhythm of how it rolled down the back.
He got it off his chest, sighed deep, patted me on the shoulder:
“Thanks for your help with the drink.”
And he continued down the aisle with a bit more spring in his step.
The Sikh took a big gulp of vodka.
And it dawned on me:
a recovering alcoholic had just brokered a drink deal for an Indian Sikh,
and freed up Bradford a little.
Grace at work.
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is a writer and recovery advocate whose work explores the intersection of Catholic faith and the lived experience of addiction. His books and essays weave scripture with the rhythms of everyday life, showing how grace can surface in the most ordinary encounters.
Through A Catholic Gospel Journey – Through the Lens of Alcohol Recovery and related projects, Jason offers reflections that connect the Sunday readings to the struggles and victories of recovery. His approach is rooted in clarity, rhythm, and respect for tradition, while remaining accessible to those navigating the challenges of addiction and renewal.
Founder of the Hadspen Foundation, Jason is committed to building frameworks for spiritual recovery that are both repeatable and personal. His writing is guided by discernment, narrative cadence, and the belief that doctrine should support—not overshadow—the human story.