I have to learn lessons the hard way
- col-lee-elliot-aging-graciously
- February 26, 2023
- 760
I’ve had to do a little extra organizing this month because above and beyond my normal day-to-day living, I am going to be attending my grandson’s wedding in Florida, am getting ready to direct a play at the Little Theatre and am preparing to add my newest love, Willow, to the family.
Me traveling requires boarding the animals, which requires they be up to date on all their vaccinations, so I had made an appointment with my accommodating vet to bring old dog and rescue cat in at 9:45 on a Wednesday morning.
I have to back-track here for just a moment. Two months ago I changed the locks on all of my doors because we felt someone was entering, at least the garage, if not the house, whenever we were gone. The locksmith who did the work was prompt, precise and pleasant. He gave me one extra key, which I stored safely in my desk. Also, several months ago I had to replace the steering column in my car, so the old key did not fit the new ignition. Can you see where this is going?
In my dotage I know better than to leave three different sets of keys, two of which are obsolete, in the little basket on the kitchen counter. I know my mind is as sharp as ever. I work the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle, read constantly and eat healthily.
This morning, however, I was slightly flummoxed because rescue cat had never been in a carrier before and fought tooth and nail to keep it that way. I finally managed to zip him in, pushed resigned dog into the heavier crate, grabbed my keys and struggled both animals out to the car, closing the door behind me. It locked with a satisfying click. Now you know where this is going.
After reassuring everyone in my sing-songy “Everything’s gonna be all right” voice, I put the key in the ignition. It wouldn’t go in. “Here we go again with the car,” I thought, and then came the horrible realization I had the wrong keys, so not only could I not drive the car, but also I was completely locked out of my house with my cell phone on the kitchen counter and the extra key in my desk. Panic is not even a shadow of what I felt.
Never let it be said I am not resourceful, and in this case extremely blessed. I was wearing my smart watch, which had 10% of a charge left. I tried to call the vet, and the watch told me I didn’t have Wi-Fi, so I smashed myself up against the locked kitchen door to get as close to my cell phone as possible, and wonder of wonders, I was able to call. They kindly allowed me a new appointment that day, as soon as I got out of my predicament. And here’s where it all comes to wonder.
I asked Siri, that amazing little creature who lives in my watch and my phone, to give me a list of locksmiths in the area — and she did. I poked a name, and he actually answered the phone.
The next wonder was the name I poked turned out to be the same person who had changed my locks. He came right over, let me into the house and made me a couple of extra keys. We made it to our appointment, where rescue cat was relieved of a tape worm and fleas and both animals were fully prepared for any onslaught of bacteria, virus or vermin. I thought cat would not forgive me, but within five minutes of arriving home, he was purring again.
It appears that although I consider myself still “with it,” for some reason I have to learn lessons the hard way. Thus, I spent that afternoon assuring I can never be locked out again. The obsolete keys are now in my desk. I intend to make a wind clink out of old keys one of these days, and the one in my desk is available on demand. I also have extra car keys.
Ever since I had the locks changed, I, who am the world’s most active worrier, have done just that, worried about locking myself out. The lesson learned is plan, don’t worry. Now isn’t that easy?