Today, I had the good fortune to plan to have lunch with my good friend and computer guru (he can absolutely solve the problems that I throw at him regarding the computer – and, often, other things, too). Because of this restrictive diet that I’m forced to follow, I asked if we could go to Denny’s because I know that I can eat what is on their menu. Truth-be-told, I don’t even look at the menu. I just tell the wait staff what I can eat, and they put it together – and, it always good.
Earlier in the day, I’d been at a medical office for an annual test, produced my ID and insurance info as requested, and placed my wallet where it is kept back into my black purse. Getting to the medical office was a bit of a chore because when I pulled into one of the Swedish Hospital parking lots at what I thought was the correct location, it was not. I pulled back onto the street and traveled the two blocks to get to the correct parking lot, walked across the pedestrian bridge, and into the building that I assumed was 701, and I was arriving at Suite 100 on time.
But, getting out of the elevator and walking into Suite 100, I was redirected down the hall to the west. I was in building 799. Oh, good! So off I went, leaning heavily on the cane that accompanies me everywhere, until I saw another human being. Knowing that I was still lost, I asked for directions and was kindly walked to the location where I was expected. Everyone in the office was extremely kind – I think that may come because of the cane. I’m never really sure.
As I said, I provided the necessary documentation to prove that I was me and that I do indeed have the required insurance. I was forthwith ushered into the testing area, put my purse and some clothing into the locker and had the medical test. When finished, I did the reverse – dressed and walked out with purse in hand using the cane, walked to the parking lot, and drove home.
My computer guru picked me up right at noon with Denny’s as our destination. Our waitress was charming and, as usual, helped me order just the right meal. I stressed that this was my turn to pay; when we’d finished our meal, I took the check to the cashier and looked for my wallet that was not where I had put it. Or, at least, where I thought I had put it.
I was very embarrassed because my friend had to pay what should have been my bill. I checked all around our table to be sure that the wallet was not there. When we left the restaurant, I checked the floor of his car to see if the wallet was there. It was not. Arriving home and while my computer was being adjusted, I looked in and around my car in the garage to see if the lost might be found there. It could not.
When I was alone, I determined what needed to be done to protect myself. My wallet contains my life. Credit card. Debit card. ID. And, all manner of things one does not want to lose – family photographs, money (albeit, not much), and nitro, just in case, I should have another heart attack (it’s never happened). Even those gift cards that were given to me for whatever reason have some value!
I decided that I should cancel the cards that could be canceled and, then, hope for the best. The rest of this tale is in the e-mail that I wrote to my friend a short time later. It is below.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear RB,
The lost is found.
The wallet was, of course, not in the place where it is usually stored in my purse. The purse has five places to put things. The two at the front are not large enough for the wallet – only for things the size of my phone.
The other three are, two inside the “lid” of the purse, and one on the “back” side of the purse where I stash papers. Papers with questions that I want to ask docs, etc., my smaller booklets that I use to write poetry when I’m waiting for something – you know, a sort of “catch all.”
The two in the middle of the purse are for things like sun glasses in a case, a medihaler, batteries for my hearing aides, and other stuff that I don’t want to have falling out of the purse. And, of course, there is a “lid” that is secured with two magnet closures to keep all of that safe. That is where the wallet belongs – in the middle. Sometimes, if I don’t close the lid, things do fall out, and that’s what I thought had happened, today.
When I got home I called the Sally Jobe imaging place – the wallet wasn’t there, but she would be sure to notify me if it was found. I know that is the last place I remember having my hands on the wallet because my ID stuff and insurance stuff was needed. I remember putting those items back into the wallet; I thought I had surely put the wallet back into its place in my purse. I called the Swedish Hospital folks and talked to someone about “lost and found” and was told that nothing had been turned in today. But, she would call me if the wallet came in.
I called my bank to cancel (she said block) any purchases on my debit card. Nothing had been charged up to that point. I’ll get my new debit card within a week or so. The person with whom I talked gave me the number to call for my credit card through the bank.
Before canceling that card, I thought I would go back to the parking garage and see if it had dropped out and was on the concrete floor. So, I was picked up my black purse that felt as heavy as I thought it should with everything that I keep in it. I looked, again, in the two spaces inside of the purse – no wallet. Then, and it was just a sort of fluke, I looked in that back pocket where papers are to be kept.
And, there it was, in the WRONG space. I NEVER put my wallet in that space. Well, except that, today, I had put it there. So, I guess the “catch all” caught it!
More later.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My late sister always told me, “You need a keeper.” I’ve talked about that before, but it may really be “coming home” that I REALLY DO NEED A KEEPER!
Time will tell.
Be safe and be well.
The Cranky Crone
Thoughtful comments are always appreciated.