Chain Wallet?

I had to beg people for money the other day. Strangers. And I was astonished at the response I got.

The story is mostly embarassing to me because it involves my famous forgetfulness and my wallet once again. I lost my wallet at Christmas the day before I was to fly to visit family in Alberta. Big hassle. (And its never fun re-telling over and over the story of your own blunder.) Well, I did it again - sort of.

I left Abbotsford this past weekend in my car to again come and visit family in Alberta. I got a decent start and was making some good time. It was a beautiful drive over the Coquihalla as I drove across the mountains. My plan was to go north through Jasper and on to Edmonton via the Yellowhead highway. A good distance into the trip my stomach dropped and my hands tightened on the wheel. I didn't have my wallet!!!! I left it at home. I couldn't pay for gas. I had no driver's license. No credit card. No bank card. Only a few bucks of cash. It's funny how you can get feelings of anger, despair, and laughter all at the same time. So, I had to turn around and head back to Abbotsford. But I figured I should top up my tank with gas to make sure I didn't run out of gas on the way - I had under half a tank. I spent the last remaining dollars on gas and got on my way again. Still trying to decide whether I should laugh out loud or scream and throw a big rock at a tree, I headed out. Then my stomach dropped again. The toll booth!!!!! I didn't have ten bucks to pay! The screaming option seemed a little bit more attractive at that point. So I pulled in to a rest stop and tourist shop to decide what I should do. As I leaned on my Malibu in my pool of self-loathing over my scatter-brained-ness, the only option was all around me. People. Tourists with money to burn. Welp, I shrugged, better just get to it. There was an older gentleman who was leaning against his car next to mine. I thought in general people would laugh at me and, after hearing my story, chuckle and say, "Okay buddy, here you go. You do need some help!" I approached this man and said, "Hi there." We exchanged pleasantries. I kind of laughed and said, "You know, I could use some help today." He immediately looked away and said, "You're talking to the wrong guy" and kept staring away. He didn't even know what I needed!!!! I was nothing short of stunned. I mumbled something about wondering how he knew he couldn't help me and walked away. Other reactions included very suspicious stares and "If it's money you need, I'm not helping you." A couple gracious people gave me spare change. Until I came to one lady. I asked her for five bucks and told her pieces of my morning's wallet-less adventure. She didn't flinch. She said, "Yeah I'll give you 5 bucks!" and reached into her pocket with a smile. I thanked her and told her she was very kind. She responded by saying, "I believe in karma! What goes around comes around." I smiled and thanked her again.

I don't think it bothered me or hurt that people didn't want to give me money. I can understand that. But what struck a painful blow was when people chose not to hear me, or listen to where I was at. They decided ahead of time that they would not lend a hand to help someone they did not know. That was kind of sad and I hope I will be someone who always listens before deciding if I am able to help someone out or not. There's something life-giving in hearing and empathizing with story. It seems to connect us as humans.

But I am now safely in Alberta with my wallet. Maybe I need to buy a chain-wallet.