It may not sound "nice" at first, but if you make it to the end you'll get the point.
A number of years ago I was on a business trip to Dallas, at a time when my Mother in Law was seriously ill. I got the dreaded call that her time was running short and got the next flight to London, via Atlanta I think.
The first flight was delayed and by the time I got to the gate it was closed. I explained the situation and told them I really didn't give much of a stuff whether the luggage got on the plane, but I had to; I didn't go into detail, just told them it was a family emergency. I guess they realised how upset I was.
Anyway, they opened the door and let me board, only for us to sit there for another 40 minutes before pushback.
It was only after take off that the cabin senior came and apologised to me for the delay, and told me that they'd held back the plane to make sure my case got on.
I can't count the number of times prior to that when I've cursed when people have swanned onto planes late, but I've never, ever done it since. (I also was hoping to god they didn't explain the reason to the passengers, or I'm sure I would have lit the cabin up glowing red!).
I did make it home in time to say goodbye to the lovely old dear, bless her, and I have never had a bad word to say about American Airlines since.