Help, I’ve lost my debit card, again

The biggest causes of stress in life?

Moving is on the list. Debt. Bereavement. Illness. Planning a weddings. Having a baby. Any of those things can cause a person to go on overload, go a little crazy, pull all the hair out of your head.

 But how about this one: Lost credit card. Lost debit card. The panic sets in the moment you realize that a bank card is missing from your wallet. In your mind, you instantly retrace your steps. Where was I that day? When did I last use that card? You pray and hope it’s just sitting at home on a table or in the couch cushions. Because if the wrong person finds it, they’ll start using the card instantly and it could prove costly for you and your bank.

My son dropped his credit card at a gas station, realized it when he got home, went back, couldn’t find it, called the bank, and someone had already used it at a store. We’re talking 15 minutes here.

I bring this up because the other day when I arrived at home, my fellow employees said a man had stopped by, and said he found my wife’s debit cards in the TGI parking lot. I caught up with him outside and after being certain I was indeed the husband of the woman who lost this card, he handed it over. He explained he found it the previous day while walking by, and wanted to be sure it got back in the hands of the owner.

“Merry Christmas,” he said as he walked away.

Thank you was all I could offer, and an appreciation that he had made my day.

Few have experienced the relief of a found wallet more than I. I’m fairly famous for losing wallets and bank cards. I’ve lot my wallet twice. And both times, it set off great  fear, dread and anxiety as I tried to track it down.

Once, I was in Seattle at the public market and when I got back to the car, I didn’t have my wallet. I knew exactly where I lost it: the news stand where they sell magazines and newspaper. I sprinted back and asked the employee if anyone turned in a wallet, sure the answer would be no.

“Yes,” he said, as he produced a wallet from under  ounter.

You can’t know the joy I felt. Not sure if I’ve been that happy since my wife said, “I do.”

Earlier this year, I managed to lose my wallet again, this time while walking home from work. I realized it that night, getting ready for sleep. “Hey, where’s my wallet?” I began asking everyone in the house.

When a lengthy search failed to turn it up, I ran back to work, retracing each step. No wallet. In full worry mode, I called banks, canceling cards, relaxing a bit with each assurance the cards had not been used.

The next morning, I got a call at work. A couple staying at a shelter found it on the street, not far from my house. It must have fallen from my backpack. They could have used the credit cards. They could have caused me a lot of grief. They had little money, yet, they returned it and received no reward other than hugs and thanks from me because I couldn’t access my bank account since the cards had been deactivated. “Glad to help,” was all they said.

Since my arrival on Kauai, I’ve continued my forgetfulness.

A few months back, I discovered my debit card was missing from my wallet. What? I called the credit union. No use on the card since I used in the ATM earlier that day. Where, oh where could it be? I ran to the post office where I had been after the ATM transaction. Did I accidentally put the card into a package bound for the Mainland? They actually let me check the package. Not there, either. The next day, my credit union called. They had the card. I’d left it in the ATM, and it sucked it in after a short time. Oh yeah. Forgot to check there.

The stress of all these lost cards is taking its toll. I’m constantly checking my wallet for my debit card and my credit card. So far, so good. But it’s a matter of time before I realize my wallet isn’t in my pocket. It’s not if, but when, I lose a debit card. It’s then my blood pressure will rise. It’s then I’ll make rushed, frantic calls to my wife and the credit union and bank. It’s then I’ll be counting on the good will and grace of the people of Kauai and its guests to bail me out of yet another fine mess.

Thank you, in advance.