Jodi Hendon
Texas, USA
In 1986, I made a quick weekend trip from Texas to Cuernavaca, Mexico, to attend a friend’s wedding. Since the trip was so short and I was staying at my friend’s house, I only took about $50 with me.
When I got back to the airport, I had about $15 left. My husband would pick me up at the airport in Texas and I wouldn’t need money while flying, so I decided to buy a couple of bottles of Mexican Kahlua to bring home. This left me with about $4.
At the boarding area, the attendant told me I needed to pay a $10 departure tax. I was unaware of this tax, and when I told her I only had $4, she wasn’t too sympathetic. I did have my American Express card, so I decided to see if I could get some money that way. I figured if worst came to worst, maybe I could return the Kahlua. In those days, we had nothing like today’s check cards.
While in line at the banco, I asked the businesswoman in front of me if she knew whether I could get some cash on my credit card. There was still time to make my flight, but I was starting to panic a little.
She asked what the problem was, and I told her. She pulled six dollars out of her purse and insisted I take it. I started to refuse, but then decided she was the answer to a prayer I hadn’t prayed yet. I took her card, discovered her name was Carolyn, and told her I’d return the money to her when I got home.
It turned out she was originally from Australia, worked for an advertising firm in New Zealand, and was traveling to South America.
When I got home, I immediately sent Carolyn the money back with a thank-you card and a self-addressed stamped postcard so I’d know when she got the money. About a month later, I got the postcard back. She said she’d forgotten all about it, and my card was a nice surprise. I’m sure she thought she’d never see the money again.
I’ve never forgotten the kindness of Carolyn from New Zealand, and whenever I can, I try to pay her favor forward to someone else.
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How wonderful, took the end of the trip from possible problem to a win-win. Talk about right place and right time for both women! Carolyn receiving the money back and a pre-paid postcard was I’m sure unexpected and a pleasant surprise. Thank you for sharing.