Adam Strange, a New Zealand-born film-maker, was killed by a
shark on an Auckland beach last Wednesday. He was Jeanette’s son.
As soon as the news reached Adam’s family, Jeanette wanted
to fly from Wellington, where she lives, to Auckland. Jeanette was in fact in
possession of a Jetstar ticket to travel the following week. That had been the
plan: to meet up with her son in Auckland. Jeanette’s daughter called Jetstar,
the air carrier, and explained the dreadful circumstances that required her mum
to go to Auckland urgently, only to be put on hold for ten minutes while a
supervisor’s advice was obtained, and to finally be told Jeanette would have to
purchase another ticket.
A couple of hours later, Jeanette was able to travel to
Auckland with Air New Zealand.
Jetstar have since apologised. But it’s too late. You see, there
is no pain like the pain of parent who has lost a child. There is absolutely no
justification for inflicting more pain upon a traumatised person, whose whole world has been
shattered, whose pain will never disappear. Why add insult to the injury? Is
the NZ$321 fare worth it? Why was it perceived there was a need to follow stupid
corporate protocols instead of following one’s heart? Was it not clear to them
there was only one correct way to deal with the situation?
I find what those people at Jetstar did revolting; never
mind their belated apology. It is unforgivable.
My thoughts are with Jeanette. May Adam rest in peace.
I heard this on NPR this morning and thought you might be interested: http://www.npr.org/2013/03/05/173419255/wave-tells-a-true-story-of-survival-and-loss-in-the-2004-tsunami (I also scooped it and added it to the first page of my website).
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