Letters to the editor -
Dear editor,
I would like to share my positive experience with Canada Post.
Recently, our son, Curtis moved to Vancouver, where he will reside for an indefinite period of time, or maybe forever!
Curtis had most of his drums and personal possessions, which were rather few, stored in his 9 ft. by 11 ft. bedroom. The space remaining only allowed the door to be slightly opened enough to get inside.
Downstairs in another room were more drums of various circumferences and heights. Other then one standard drum kit, all others were brought or sent from Africa or India. No dollar value could ever be put on them, for each holds a story and a memory.
Can you imagine what went through my mind when Curtis requested his drums be sent to Vancouver! That would be a challenge, to say the least, for how was I to ensure they would arrive in good form.
After a check into the various methods of shipping, it was apparent Canada Post would be the choice.
Much packaging tape, along with some wood and cardboard boxes of various sizes were collected from various outlets.
Having many drums with wooden pegs surrounding their side-tops, I knew it would be a challenge to protect them. That is where the wood came in. These wooden pegs are of a special kind of wood not readily available. They are used to secure the rope woven through the drum skins and are used to help tune the drums.
Every day for a week and into the next I tailor made the cardboard to suit the shape of the drum, usually three per day.
As a seamstress, I was able to make the fitting a little easier.
Local postal workers never experienced such an array of packaging.
At the Carbonear Post Office measurements warranted my having to undress one drum as the dimensions were over sized. That happened just once as I learned early in the game. At this point, the P.O. staff were readily available to assist in the dismantling and assembling.
Twenty-four pieces of drums and few other possessions were shipped, the first box arriving in just four days.
I thought this was strange, since ground transportation ensures 10-12 business days from Carbonear to Vancouver. When I checked into it I discovered that, in error, they had been shipped via air cargo. That was Curtis' gain, but Canada Post's loss. This surely was not a complaint.
All items arrived in the appropriate time and with the exception of one broken peg, all else arrived in perfect condition.
The packaging combined with the use of FRAIGLE stickers by Canada Post employee contributed to the safe journey and arrival at Curtis' new residence in Vancouver.
This experience has boosted my confidence in Canada Posts' commitment to service to its customers.
Curtis can now tune his drums and bring his beat to the ears of others who have yet to experience all that he has to offer through his compassion and love for the wonderful gift of his music.
Already he has his African group, Dzoali formed and has been very successful in connecting with other musicians and influential people.
No matter what stage of life, we all ebb and flow in the tide of separation and connection. As parents, we have the willingness to accept separations that are necessary in our children by becoming the anchor to which they can always return, irrespective of the circumstance.
Rose Andrews
Carbonear
