Almost a year ago I was on a business trip from the US back to Sweden, and I was routed through the UK. I had to switch airports, though, and go from Heathrow to Gatwick. I had been flying all night, I was pretty fucking tired, and I went to buy a cup of coffee, with my baggage cart piled high. I got some change out of my briefcase, turned and bought the coffee, turned back around, and saw (to my horror) that the briefcase was gone.

Gone.
And with it, my passport, tickets, wallet, mobile phone, credit cards, MD player, and the book that I was happily enjoying.
A tense overnight stay and tearful visit to the US Embassy later, and I was back in business. A bit sheepish, upset, and more than a little insecure that my goods were gone, but heading back to Stockholm anyway.

If you've ever been robbed, you know the utter hatred, hopelessness, and despair that it makes you feel about yourself and your fellow man.

So imagine my surprise when Dear Mate called me and said the police had called him (I had left his number as the contact number, since he was in the UK and I was Sweden-based then). My briefcase, passport, and credit cards had been found dumped in some bushes by a bicycler, and had been turned in. I could go and collect them.

Wow. It almost feels like a sign to me. The gods are looking down and deciding to reward me for being here, for Life Number 6. I have decided to get a tiny statue of the Ganesh-the Hindu god of luck and new beginnings. It certainly seems to be relevant.

So tomorrow I am heading in to the police station in south London to re-claim my items. Although the passport is no longer valid (I reported it stoled), it will be so wonderful to see the stamps of my travels from so many years ago. Of all the goods taken from the bag, that's the only thing that I wanted back. The sentimental value of that passport is unbelievable. I wanted to see the stamps again of my first trip out of the US-to Paris, and in to Kim's arms. My fabulous holiday to the Seychelles, and my heart-warming and tender trip to Jersey. And of course, the trip to Bangkok that brought me to where I am today.

All coming back now, since a stranger had taken a chance and done the right thing. Ganesh is already doing the job.

Strange that three stamps in the passport equate to three men that have so utterly affected my life and my heart.

Although sometimes I have been knocked down, disappointed, and hurt, the kindness and generosity of people will never stop to amaze me, ever.

-H.

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 06:33 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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1 It's those little acts of kindness that get me through the day sometimes. I'm glad things worked out so well for you.

Posted by: Sue at March 26, 2004 07:04 AM (rZmE1)

2 Good for them. Restores some faith in humanity.

Posted by: AJ at March 26, 2004 07:10 AM (xezQe)

3 I know what you mean. While collecting my shipped boxes my passport vanished. I could cry I dont mind so much getting a new one, just well I wish I could have my stamps back. Nice to know I am not the only sentimental one about a passort.

Posted by: stinkerbell at March 26, 2004 08:21 AM (lkCj7)

4 It's funny how the artifacts of our lives that may seem insignificant to others carry the most weight with us. Keep thinking those good thoughts, little flame.

Posted by: Paul at March 26, 2004 03:38 PM (bWfDG)

5 yay for wonderful luck and things coming together. i knew they would. xoxoxox rock on helen!

Posted by: kat at March 26, 2004 04:29 PM (QkuGS)

6 "It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." ~Anne Frank It's true. Most people are good.

Posted by: Easy at March 26, 2004 07:26 PM (nSTQ5)

7 This is my first time to your site. I love it. Your writing style is so wonderful. Have you ever thought of compiling your journal and publishing it?

Posted by: Amy at March 27, 2004 04:36 PM (Ltu+q)

8 hey Helen, you are the only person that can write about the subway aad make it sound....uh, nice. -yes I know that was included in yesterday's post, but I felt like writing it here. J

Posted by: Jimi at March 27, 2004 06:55 PM (lN8eP)

9 I understand completely how awful that feels. My purse was stolen a few months ago--i felt just utterly sick and helpless and angry! I'm so glad to hear your things are finding their way back to you...restore my faith in humanity a bit too!

Posted by: Laura at March 27, 2004 08:36 PM (0CfOe)

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