I was in the Portland airport on the first leg of my Thanksgiving journey. I was gathering my things from the post TSA-inspection ramp, when I noticed a black bag. I knew it belonged to the gentleman who had been in front of me. I looked over and there he was getting the rest of his things together. “Didn’t you have a black bag?” I asked. “Oh yes,” he said with a look of panic on his face and went over to the river of bags coming down the ramp.
I went on to re-organize my stuff and re-shoe my feet. He found me to thank me. “I would have been in trouble if I’d forgotten my bag,” he said with great relief painted all over his face. I told him I was happy it worked out and wished him a safe journey.
A few minutes later, while in the restroom by the sinks, I saw a boarding pass on the floor. I pointed it out. And a woman, who had just turned to leave, realized it was hers. Another look of relief and thanks. Another wish for a safe journey.
I continued on my way feeling like a super-heroine.
Nice story, but it really began earlier. My decision to go on this trip was last minute. There were many reasons why I shouldn’t have gone, but the desire to see family overcame all obstacles. I almost wasn’t there at the Portland airport at those crucial moments. Most likely the man with the black bag and the woman with the boarding pass would have been fine, but it’s probable that their days wouldn’t have gone as smoothly.
I love stories like this where lives intersect. I guess I would call them “It’s a Wonderful Life” moments. Yes, Clarence, we all have a role to play.
Do you have a story to tell? Tell us about it.
