So the last few days have been interesting. Eventually someone from the Houston police department returned my calls and gave me the all-important case number, which we needed for the bank claim form. But I don't expect much more will be done by them, frankly. The amount stolen was just under the total needed to make the crime a felony, I've learned. The police officer also told me it would take seventy-hours for my case number to even appear in the Houston PD records.The store manager has been helpful. He managed to pull all the information on the case should a detective ever contact him. One person made the seven illegal transactions, and apparently she did show identification for each purchase. Which has had me wondering, what exactly does my impersonator in Texas look like?
My hometown bank reminds me why it is best to shop local. I've kept my personal checking account there for twenty years even though I haven't lived in the area much of the time. And the care and compassion I have received from everyone at Nat Penn has done wonders to restore my faith in humanity.
The past few days were spent gathering all the information to complete the claim forms, so that the bank can reimburse the stolen money. The paperwork has been faxed, scanned, and mailed, but I have no idea how long it will take before our account will be credited. That said, we've done everything we can to right the thief's wrong, so it is time to put this horrible experience, along with a not-so-fabulous 2009, behind us and work on getting back some of the festive holiday spirit before the holiday passes us by!
I am one of those people who believe things happen to us for a reason, that all of life's experiences are given to us as a way to learn and grow. And I've been mulling over what lesson I'm to take from this ordeal. Because I can be fiercely independent, I like to be able to take care of myself and my family, and it is not easy for me to ask for help. But with this theft, I have had no choice but to do just that---rely on the kindness of strangers and the support and encouragement I've received from friends and family all over the world. I suspect of all the gifts I am given for Christmas 2009, this newly acquired bit of wisdom will be what I'll remember long after the wrappings and decorations have been store away.
