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Oct 16, 2008

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness." --Seneca

An Act of Kindness in 1988

Mary Menth Andersen had just married Norwegian Dag Andersen. She was looking forward to starting a new life with him. But first she had to get all of her belongings across to Norway. The date was November 2nd, 1988. At the airport she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness: "You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said." Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call. Although she explained the situation to the man behind the counter, he showed no signs of mercy. "I started to cry, tears were pouring down my face and I had no idea what to do." What followed was an ordinary act of kindness from a stranger -- who as it turns out, would not remain anonymous...