Letter: Alert, honest cab driver saves the day for tourist

Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004 | 8:57 a.m.

On Dec. 5, around 7:15 a.m., I left my purse in a cab in front of Southwest Airlines. As the cab pulled out into traffic, I realized "my life" was not hanging over my shoulder. It was too late to yell.

My son planted himself at the unloading point while I was escorted to the cab authority office by a kind airport worker. They could not do anything as I had not noted either the cab company name or phone number. Since there are approximately 2,000 cabs in Las Vegas, and many different companies, the cab authority could do nothing until or unless someone called in.

Our flight left at 9 a.m. and time was running out. Police officers told me to explain the situation to the security supervisor so I could board the plane -- minus driver's license, cash, credit cards, cell phone, etc.

As I was within several feet of the security check, my son suddenly appeared and held up my purse. Eureka!

The honest and caring cab driver had worked his way back through the cab pit and saw my son standing where he had left us off.

I can say I really won in Las Vegas, thanks to this kind gentleman. I hope he reads this letter or is told about it. I would really like to give him a hug.

BETTY D. GROSSLIGHT Simi Valley, Calif.