These are wonderful. I’m sure your grandchildren will love them.”

The woman nodded, a smile slowly forming on her face. “Thank you,” she whispered, visibly relieved.

As the officer secured the suitcase, he couldn’t help but ask, “How long have you been carving?”

“Oh, for as long as I can remember,” she replied, her eyes lighting up with the spark of a storyteller. “My father taught me when I was a little girl.