The $1000 error

Yesterday, I was feeling pretty good about myself. We got all the school done, did our home blessing jobs, had a meal ready to go for a family from church and decided to go for a hike on a beautiful winter day at the conservation area near our home.

We took the van to the conservation area, even though it isn't too far, as I didn't want the little ones to wear out walking to the hiking place before we could even begin our hike. As we were getting out of the car, I looked at my purse between the van seats and thought, "I should move this. Naw. It looks like a diaper bag. Besides, nothing ever happens in our small town." We locked the doors, I tossed baby guy onto my back and we left for our hike. Less than an hour later, we finished our hike and walked back to the van. As we approached, I saw shattered glass everywhere. My first (naive) thought was, "Oh no! Someone has accidentally hit the van mirror with their car." Then, I saw it was the driver window. Then, I saw the big rock on the passenger seat. Then, I saw the empty spot where my purse was. My heart sank as I realized I had all of our birth certificates (why didn't I leave them in a file at home?), our health cards and a bazillion other things in there. UGH. This was going to be a long haul.

Cancelling and replacing the VISA is the least of my worries. VISA is so concerned about making sure you have a card to use, I was surprised they didn't say they'd drive right out to our house immediately and bring me a new one!! They were good enough to say they would just put a hold on the card for a few days, in case it was returned. I couldn't make purchases with it, but if I needed to make a payment, I shouldn't be concerned because I could still do that. :)

Today, I need to take the car to the mechanic who will replace my window. He says this is the second one he has done this week. :( I am also going to have a quick look through the woods across from where my purse was stolen to see if they dumped it there.

The frustrating part is that the police officer said that all they were after was cash. How much cash did I have in my wallet? I had - LITERALLY - one cent. I figure by the time I replace all the government issued things, the window on the car and account for the cheques in my wallet that I hadn't cashed and may not be able to get back and the gift certificates that the stores may not re-issue, this will probably cost us $1000 and a fair bit of heartache. I'm so sad. Why would someone be so selfish? Can you pray that I will find my purse?

At least I didn't toss in my sock knitting at the last minute, like I almost always do when I leave the house. :)