A 70-year-old woman, Tizi Hodson, received a surprising and nostalgic package that transported her back nearly five decades. In a rare turn of events, a job application letter she sent for a motorcycle stunt rider position in 1976 finally found its way back to her, 48 years later. The letter, written in January of that year, had mysteriously been trapped behind a drawer at a post office all these years before being discovered and delivered.
The letter was accompanied by a handwritten note that humorously read, “Late delivery by Staines Post Office. Found behind a drawer. Only about 50 years late.” This unexpected piece of her past brought back memories of a dream she had once pursued but never heard back about—until now.
Ms. Hodson, a former stuntwoman, recalled the excitement she felt after typing up the application from her London flat all those years ago. She eagerly waited for a response, checking her post every day, but the answer never arrived. “I always wondered why I never heard back about the job. Now I know why,” Hodson shared in an interview with the BBC. She had deeply hoped to become a motorcycle stunt rider, a dream she cherished in her youth.
The rediscovered letter also revealed a humorous yet daring line from her application: “I even stupidly told them I didn’t mind how many bones I might break as I was used to it.”
Despite never receiving a reply to that particular job application, Hodson’s life unfolded in extraordinary ways. She moved to Africa, where she worked as a snake handler and horse whisperer. Her passion for adventure didn’t stop there—she eventually learned to fly and became an aerobatic pilot and instructor.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, she mentioned how, back in those days, she concealed her gender when applying for various roles, fearing that being a woman would diminish her chances of being considered. Despite the obstacles, her career was filled with adventure and thrill, with the occasional broken bone along the way.
At 70, Ms. Hodson looks back on her life with immense pride and joy. “If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say go and do everything I’ve done,” she shared. Although the lost letter symbolized a missed opportunity, her life became a testament to resilience, bold choices, and a relentless pursuit of adventure.
For Hodson, the unexpected return of her long-lost letter served as a charming reminder of the dreams she chased and the incredible journey she lived.
