When Tuerff and his partner flew from France to New York City on September 11th in 2001, they had no idea that the world-- and their lives-- would change forever. When US airspace closed after the terrorist attacks, their plane was diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in Canada with thousands of other refugees or "come from aways." Yet, when all seemed dark, the people of Gander rallied and the "plane people" experienced boundless acts of generosity. This generosity ignited a spirit of kindness that renewed Tuerff's spirituality and has inspired an annual and growing "giving back" day.

"One of the true stories that inspired the smash-hit musical Come from away : a new musical"--Cover.

Foreword by Mayor Claude Elliott -- Prologue: It all starts with kindness -- Stuck on the tarmac -- The terrible news -- Where am I and who are these nice people -- We stink and we want to go home -- Déjà vu-- back in France -- Pay it forward 9/11 -- The return to Gander -- Twelve actors, twelve chairs, and two tables -- Kindness and refugees -- No thanks are necessary -- Appendix: Ten ways to pay it forward.