A valuable lesson learned..

Today, while in Goodwill, in a matter of minutes I became a victim. Although I had my purse (much like the one pictured below.) close to me at all times,someone managed to take my wallet without my knowledge.


 I'd gone straight to the furniture department to see if "my" chairs  and a chest of drawers had been sold or were still available today for half price. They had not! so as I flagged an employee to tag the items for me, I went to the cashier to pay for the items. Reaching into my purse for my wallet,and discovering it GONE..I panicked..uttered a not nice word! The cashier took my buggy, told me to run check my car as she was announcing a lost wallet over the PA system. No wallet in car! Drats, I knew it was in my purse! Back I went and was met at the cashier's by her waving my wallet! A small child around 8 or 9 had found the wallet. Upon opening the wallet to give her a cash reward, I discovered all cash GONE.
I keep that in a special part of the wallet. Everything else was there just as I'd left them..all credit cards, my driver's license,as well as unused gift cards where the cash had been, plus a 20$ bill folded in a receipt from the grocery store. I thanked them gratefully for returning the wallet, and the little girl said " May I give you a hug? You sure look like you could use one!"
My friend the cashier called me later, and said two more "lost wallet"incidents had occurred since mine..only those wallets were not found.
I learned a valuable lesson today, Everyone takes advantage of Goodwill 1/2 off entire store day..including thieves. Although my purse was firmly on my shoulder at all times and snapped closed, someone with nimble fingers managed to unsnap my purse, reach in, and steal my wallet. I NEVER felt a bump, jostle..nothing to indicate I'd essentially been violated while in a very public place.
Never again will I go into Goodwill carrying a purse, only a credit card in my pocket.
I thanked God for watching over me  by the return of the wallet.
From all the years worked in the banking profession, once home, I did call the credit card companies as well as  the three credit  reporting agencies to alert/ flag my accounts with a fraud alert.
And yet, I still believe in miracles from above..there are Angels among us in all shapes and sizes..just ask the little girl who returned my lost wallet and  asked only to give ME a hug!
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