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Published: March 17th 2007
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Have you ever wanted something for so long that when you do get it, you'll do anything to keep it?
I have always wanted a Leatherman ever since I saw my first one about 13 years ago. I was enthralled with the needle nose pliers and the multiple tools. I could not justify buying one because I rarely tackled the great outdoors. Instead, I secretly coveted my friend's Leatherman.
When I decided to travel, can you guess what item I purchased immediately after a backpack? Why of course, a Leatherman. It's an absolute necessity for all backpackers in addition to ear plugs and Immodium (Think the travellers' trots on a long bus journey. Asian buses typically don't have washrooms).
On December 28, 2006, I became the proud owner of a glacier blue Leatherman, the C2 Juice model. I christened him C2. I put C2 in a velvet sachet and gingerly placed him in a special spot in my back pack. I had great aspirations for C2. He was going to peel mangoes, slice and dice guava, cut this and plier that.
Ever since my metal fork was compenscated at an airport 6 years ago, I have been
extra careful not to pack any questionable or potential weapons in my carry-on bag. Thus, I made sure C2 stayed in my big back pack all throughout Malaysia and part of Thailand. I soon discovered that C2 wasn't being used to his full potential by being tucked away in the bottom of my back pack. I decided that it was safe to move C2 to my day bag since we had been taking trains, buses and boats. He was only a reach away in my day bag. I looked for any excuse to use C2 and marvelled how handy he was every time he peeled a mango or sliced a pomello.
Skip to the Bangkok airport on February 15th. We arrived at the airport 3 hours in advance. We had amble time to mail our souvenirs because there was a post office in the airport. I mailed a 5 kg parcel to New Zealand for approximately $50. After our post office visit, we exchanged our Thai Baht into American dollars and proceeded to the check-in line. We stood in the line for over an hour but we didn't mind because we had time to spare.
Things were going very smoothly. We went through Customs without a hitch and then headed to our gate. I thought it was odd that we had not yet passed security. We discovered that security gates were located throughout the airport. Our security gate was about 100 meters before our gate.
I told Heather and April to go on ahead through security while I bought some water. (Liquids were allowed on the flight). I told them that I'd meet them in a few minutes. I bought my water and merrily strolled through security, anticipating that it would be a breeze.
My bag went through the x-ray. I was just about to grab it when the security guy asked if he could open it. I wondered what he possibly be looking for. A split second later it hit me. "Oh no, not C2"!!!! I was mortified. C2 was going to be compenscated due to my carelessness. I knew that I was 100% guilty so I reluctantly relinquished C2. I asked if there was any way that I could check it as luggage. I must have looked completely devastated because the security guy called the manager. The manager approached me and cordially stated that it was too late to check C2 as luggage.
Not ready to give up, I then asked the manager if I could mail it. He said "yes". I looked at my watch and saw that I only had 20 minutes until take-off. A shot of adrenalin rushed through my body and I sprinted off. For a few seconds I thought I could get to and from the post office located at the other end of the airport within 20 minutes. I made it all of 10 meters when I came to my senses. It would be impossible, even if I miraculously acquired bionic speed.
My heart sank. I was going to have to relinquish C2. We had only been together for about 2 months. I wasn't ready to give him up. I slipped in through the side entrance of the security gate and approached the manager. I looked at him and asked "No time to mail it. Would you be able to mail if for me, please?". I knew that it was an insane request but I was willing to do anything to save C2. I thought that he would be dismissive and tell me to forget it. To my surprise, he exclaimed "You trust me"?". I firmly replied "yes". He seemed shocked that I would trust him because he repeated his question, "You trust me?".
He took me aside to a nearby bench as I hastily grabbed a pen and paper. We exchanged addresses, all the while he repeated "You trust me?". He remarked that the "item" must be "special". I told him that it had great sentimental value to me. He confirmed my address. Then he stood up and shook my hand. He looked me in the eye and firmly said "Madame, believe me, I mail it".
All in a fluster to catch my plane, I was unable to estimate the cost of postage. So I handed him $30 American dollars. I wanted to ensure that I gave him enough money. Afterwards, I realized that I overpaid him by about $20, but that didn't matter. I would have given him $100.
I dashed off and caught the plane in the nick of time. April and Heather were worried. As I told them my story, it struck me that I would never have been able to do this in a Canadian or an American airport. Security in these airports would likely tell me "tough luck" and push me through the line.
My heart had been warmed all over by the true kindness of the security manager, a complete stranger. He generously went out of his way to help me because he could tell that the Leatherman was special to me. The most striking part of this experience was that he seemed very honored that I trusted him.
The security manager's kindness made an lasting impression on me. I will never forget his patience, his charity, and his genuine desire to help me. This in itself was the perfect ending.
P.S. The Leatherman arrived safely to my Auckland address a week later. The manager even emailed me to ensure that I had received it.
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karen
non-member comment
that is such a nice story. i found the same thing. people here are just too rushed to care and socially, that is acceptable. well done:)