Reshaping priorities

By CAROLYN KEMPF

In the first hours after Sept. 11, the phones sat silent.

I had no idea in the next 48 hours a panic would grip America's heart. It seemed the lights on the phones lit up all at once. Thousands of calls began pouring in, with people demanding answers and refunds nonstop for about 45 days straight.

We were bombarded with questions:

Can I reschedule? Is my destination safe? Can I have my money back?

We wrote more refunds in 90 days than I had in 10 years of business. And for several years, travel was at an all-time low. My company survived, but others in our industry crumbled.

Today in business, not much shakes me. I have survived the Sept. 11 business school of hard knocks. I've faced the enemy and have been made stronger for it.

Also, Sept. 11 reshapes your priorities and reminds you how important your faith, family and friends are.

Nothing else really matters.

Every adventerous traveler knows with travel comes risk, but the right to travel freely is one of America's greatest gifts. I am thankful the terrorists have yet to steal that freedom.

Carolyn Kempf is owner of Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau.