When breaking the rules is good for business Every traveler's nightmare is getting sick while on the road. It's happened to me twice - once I came down with the flu on the way home from a tropical getaway. Due to a delayed flight I found myself spending the night on the floor at JFK airport with a raging fever and chills. I wanted to die. The second time was when I arrived in Bethel to hand out awards at a conference. I was so excited to be there and to meet all sorts of great people. At the reception on the first night I was meeting and greeting when suddenly I felt awful - I had to sit down and I had to leave. Back in my hotel room I knew I was in a bad way. My body was aching all over, my throat and neck were on fire and although I didn't have a thermometer, I knew I was burning up with fever. I was alone in a hotel room, in agony. I couldn't move. I wanted to die. I called the front desk at the Sunday River Summit Hotel to see if by chance there might be a doctor in the house. There wasn't. But they were very nice and offered to bring me ginger ale and anything else I needed. I took them up on that. Within minutes a sweet young lady arrived at my door with ginger ale, ice, water and oyster crackers. I was so grateful. Back to bed I went, and I made it through the night. I didn't die. The next morning was rougher than the night before. The conference was starting and I knew I couldn't participate - nor did I want to share what I had with others. I had previously booked another night at the hotel, but all I wanted was to get home, into my own bed and see my doctor as soon as possible. I realized that it was likely I would still have to pay for that night - but I really didn't care at that point. I was more concerned about finding enough energy to put clothes on, pack and drive three hours back to Bangor - safely. I didn't want to die. Somehow I got out of my room and made my way to the front desk. In a feverish haze, I explained that I was the sick girl in room 214 and needed to leave now - even though I had made reservations for another night. They were so nice and told me that even though it was against their cancellation policy, due to the circumstances I wouldn't be charged for that night. I wanted to smile. I did make it home and to the doctor. Strep throat was the culprit and penicillin, rest and time was the cure. Being ill is bad enough. Being ill away from home is miserable. All you can do is count on the kindness of strangers. Businesses have to make rules to protect themselves. But there are circumstances when rules should be broken. This was one of those. I am grateful to everyone at the hotel for accommodating me and breaking their rules on my behalf. They didn't have to do that. Now THAT is exceptional customer service, and they have won my loyalty. I can't wait to go back there and take advantage of all that I missed on this trip. This time it will be for fun - I will be healthy, strong and ready to tear up that mountain! Thankfully, I am still here - and life is good!