What do Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans and Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport have in common?

Both locations brought my gratitude bucket to “overflow” status.

I had grand intentions of blogging this week about my luxurious day at the St. Regis, Atlanta, as well as my surprise weekend watching my first ACC college football game between Clemson and Florida State. However, recent events caused me to write about something else instead.

I was on a layover in New Orleans after a series of delayed flights rerouted me through the Big Easy. I had enough time to enjoy a sit-down dinner and walk the length of the terminal to see the latest terminal addition from 2019. Only when I was about to board my flight did I discover my purse was no longer in my possession. Retracing my steps, I was pretty sure I left my purse in the women’s restroom. Frantically, I made my way back to the restroom, but my purse was no longer in the stall. That’s when I heard an announcement on the loudspeaker, stating my name, asking me to go “somewhere” to retrieve my lost items.

I asked someone at the Southwest counter if they had heard the announcement with my name and, understandably, they had not. As the airplane begin to board, I became more anxious, hoping another announcement would be made. However, no such announcement came in, so I asked the Southwest employee what he would do if he were me. He suggested I try the main security checkpoint and ask someone there. You should’ve seen me racing through MSY with my carry-on luggage in tow . . . I’m sure it was quite a sight!

I was the last person on the flight, but I made it on board (albeit huffing and puffing). Before I left, I told the TSA agents how grateful I was for their assistance, and how much appreciation I have for the people of New Orleans. My purse was returned to me with nothing missing, in time for my flight. What a miracle!

Similarly, I landed this week at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport on Silver Airways. I had been working a bit during the flight and placed my laptop in the seatback pocket in front of me as we begin our descent.

Unfortunately, I was distracted by two women opposite me determining who would leave the plane first. Both were stating some strong opinions about the topic, and I was somewhat concerned . . . and somewhat entertained at the same time.

As I exited the plane, I found myself hurrying to grab my belongings so as not to create any further delays. I left the plane and the airport and the rental car counter, never even realizing my laptop was gone. After checking into my hotel, unpacking and enjoying my dinner reservation, I casually strolled through several of Savannah’s squares, not returning by foot until approximately 8:30 that night.

A significant moment of panic flooded my being when I realized there was no laptop in my bag. I called customer service and sent an email to the suggested email address, but I knew I needed to speak with someone directly at the airport. Because Silver Airways only flies a few routes into Savannah each week, I wasn’t even sure someone would be able to help me.

When I arrived at the airport the next morning, I noticed only a single flight from Savannah to Tampa would take place later in the early afternoon. Because nobody was at the ticket counter, I found myself making my way to the information desk to explain the situation. A wonderful woman named Katora could see my concern, and she asked if I might like to write a note to leave on the Silver Airways counter. After handing me a blank piece of paper and a pen, she also gave me a piece of tape to make sure my note stuck to the counter and would be noticed.

A little over an hour later, I received a call from Mary from Silver Airways, telling me they had my laptop and I could pick it up at the ticket counter. When I arrived, I was once again filled with so much gratitude. I remember repeating the exact same phrase; “I am so thankful for the people of Savannah right now.”

What’s the moral of the story?

Well, obviously, don’t leave your stuff behind! LOL!

But more than scanning for all your items when traveling, I learned the following:

When you ask for rainbows, you’re likely going to get some rain.

Gratitude works in similar ways. Opportunities to express gratitude are all around us, but occasionally it takes some sort of loss to recognize such.

Much gratitude.

— Carrie Cox, account executive