I called my credit card company today to register the new one that came in the mail because that's the one I have to show to the bus company tomorrow. They demand that you show them the credit card you bought the bus ticket with, plus your confirmation number, plus picture ID. Well, I did this with a credit card that just expired (stupid me, travelling to Canada, and doing that), and so I had to register the new credit card (I'll take along both the new one and the old one).
Oh wow. I got Ms. English as a Second Language on the phone. She was SO so sweet. What a sweetie. Obviously in India. I registered my new card, and got to talking with her, and told her I really needed to have all this info be right, because those border crossing guards can be real bastards if you're taking the bus (not if you're flying, of course - RICH people fly), so she went over it with me several times, and took my phone number where I'll be in Canada in case they call them.
She was SUCH a sweetie. And we got to talking, and I told her a bit about what I might face at the border, and wished her Happy Holidays, and she said "actually my personal situation is not so good right now". And I said, "oh I'm really sorry to hear that". And she said to me "you have such a kind, clear, and sweet voice, thank you".
I don't know what her personal situation is that is not so good, but I know that, whatever our govt and corps are doing to outsource jobs, it's not HER fault. I almost teared up, talking to her. And I think she almost did, talking to me. It was a wonderful little moment of connection with another part of the world.
I haven't had much Christmas spirit lately, but that woman filled me up with it.
Love, Rose