I had an unusual experience this week. I went to UCLA in Los Angeles for a doctor’s appointment, leaving in the dark to beat traffic. When I arrived at my destination area, I stopped to look at my notes and gather my thoughts. At that moment, I realized in my preparation to leave my dog at home, leave a key in case I was delayed in returning, having my hands full of paperwork, I had left my wallet at home!

I was in Los Angeles with no money, no driver’s license, no health insurance card, no AAA card, no car insurance card or registration – I had nothing but my phone and a tank of gas. I could not even pay for the parking to see my doctor! It was a first for me!

Fortunately, I have a dear friend who lives in the Valley in LA whom I phoned at 6:30 am and she rushed over to me to bring me money! I can not thank her enough! Do you have anyone in your life who would drop everything and brave morning rush hour traffic in LA to give you money? What a wonderful and special friend she is…

I learned so much from this experience. I am making photo copies of all my important cards, paperwork, credit cards and storing such in my phone now. I have always been overly worried about identity theft, but no more….

I will also hide some money in my car for emergencies. I did not have one penny, no change, nothing at that moment. I could have been homeless in LA. I had nothing. I could not go to a bank machine as that card was in my wallet. If I had been stopped by a policeman, I had no identity. I was absolutely at the mercy of someone I needed to ask for help. Without my dear friend, I would of had to drive back home, missing my doctor’s appointment as I did not have the necessary health insurance cards, and identification to check in. I was left praying that my car had no issues in the busiest of traffic times in Los Angeles. It was such a horrible, lonely experience, except for my friend’s caring assistance.

I hope you have a dear friend as do I. I will be ever grateful for her help that morning. Be grateful for dear friends.

#gratitudelite