Powered by WebAds

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Lost and Found -- with a little help

Wednesday (two weeks ago), I could not find my handicapped parking permit.

Israeli handicapped parking permits are small plastic cards (like credit cards).  Since the card is easy to lose, I always keep it in the same pocket of my purse. 

There have been times, I admit, that I put the card down on our Shabbat Table, "just for a minute."  However, since I am a bit paranoid about losing it (replacing it would be a nightmare), I am pretty diligent about putting it back in my purse.

This time, the card was not in my purse and not on the Shabbat table.

After searching for several minutes, I stopped to think.  When was the last time I saw it?

I knew I had it the night before, in my husband's car.  We used it, when we parked for shiur (our Torah study class).

I had a visual memory of taking the card off the dashboard when we got home, but I had no visual image of putting it in my purse or placing it (temporarily, of course) on the Shabbat Table.

I must have lost the permit, somewhere between the car and my home.  I had a strong sense that I lost the card while getting out of the car.
I called my husband, and asked him to check the car.

He thoroughly checked the car, checking under the passenger seat and in between the seat and the door.  He did not find it.

If the permit was not in the car, it had to be in the house.

The girls and I searched all over the house.  We could not find it anywhere.

I dreaded the thought of applying for a new permit.  (Imagine your DMV bureaucracy, then multiply it tenfold!)

I could not shake the feeling that the card must be in Moshe's car.

Later that night, Moshe and I drove to the fundraiser, where I was scheduled to speak.  When we got in Moshe's car, I reached below the seat, feeling around that area, hoping to find my permit.

Moshe assured me that he had searched with due dilligence.

"I know," I answered, certain that he had, but hopeful that he missed something, since I could not figure out where else it could be.

After a few seconds, I felt something with my right hand. 

With a flourish, I pulled out the parking permit.

"How did you find it?" Moshe asked, clearly astonished.

"Did you look for it?"  I asked him.

"You know I did," he responded, somewhat insulted that I was questioning him.

"Did you ask God for help?" I asked him.

"No," he responded, looking at me curiously.

I smiled at my husband, as I replied, "I did."


(with special thanks to EK, who taught me that it is ok to ask God for everything, even the little things)


Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

15 comments:

Staying Afloat said...

Why wouldn't we ask even for the little things? We have no idea what's a little thing and what's a big one.

Such a great story- thank you.

mikimi said...

and did you say "Thank you HaShem" after you found it? I know when I almost spill something or I find something I "lost", I call out to HaShem,"Thank you". It is the little things in life that can make a real difference in how we cope day to day and we need to appreciate every moment.

Anonymous said...

loved the story. wanted to make a suggestion regarding the hand lotion that helped me (ever since nursing school i tend to get extremely dry skin in the winters, to the point of bleeding - probabaly from the constant washing in frigid water):

get at least half a dozen tubes of lotion, and put them EVERYWHERE - your car, by the kitchen sink, by your bed, in your purse, in the bathroom, in your swim kit, etc etc.. and you'll find yourself using them more often (even ifnot every time), i can almost guarantee it, (after washing, at red lights, waiting for your laptop to boot up in bed...)

let me know if you would like some recommendations for specific lotions (i have a few favorites, all non-perfumed for sensitive skin)

love and hugs
BW

ps- the word verification came up with a dirty word! (don't ask me how i know what it means ;-)

Baila said...

I have a friend who also taught me its okay to ask G-d for small, frivolous, large and important things. As she said, He is capable of doing it all and in the end, knows exactly what we need anyway.

I'm glad you found it.

Ilana said...

What did Moshe think about your asking God for help finding the permit?

RivkA with a capital A said...

Staying Afloat -- too true.

Mikimi -- I did!! Thanks for the reminder. It is so important to thank God for all the little things he does for us every day!

BW -- I've been doing that! I have lotion by my bed, by the kitchen, in my car, in my poolbag, and in my handbag!

Baila -- that is what my friend taught me too!

Square Peg -- I think Moshe found me amusing.

mikimi said...

On my FB page, I just signed up to a new link http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=6057777742&ref=mf

Devorah said...

I just found your blog and I am amazed by what I read so far!!

May Hashem give you the strength to continue going through this and inspiring so many people along the way!

It is so true - we can always turn to Hashem, even for the most smallest things. After all, He controls every little detail of our lives! I find this happening so many times. When I ask Hashem for something in my own words, He answers in the best way possible! He just wants me to connect to Him!!

RivkA with a capital A said...

Devorah -- welcome!! How did you find my blog? (I am always curious about how people find it)

Thank you for your kind words and for your insightful comments! Come visit again!

Devorah said...

I found your blog through my recommended sites in google reader.

I'll be reading your blog in reader but I'll try to come back and comment too :-)!

Have a good shabbos and may you always feel Hashem's love surrounding you!

Anonymous said...

I want to say that it is truly a blessing to read your blog. My dearest RivkA, you truly inspire me as I read your words.

Is Hashem another name for God?

Blessing to you always,
Karen
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimont

Rahel Jaskow said...

I'm so glad you found it!

I have a lost-and-found story that I'd love to share with you one day.

RivkA with a capital A said...

Devorah -- amen!! comments are always appreciated!


Karen -- yes. Good pick-up!

"HaShem" literally means "the name." Since Jews do not pronounce the name of God, there are several "substitute" words that we use to refer to God. Another common phrase is "Hakadosh Baruch Hu" (The Holy One, Blessed be He) -- in print you might just see the initials HK"B.


Rahel -- I'd love to hear it (or read it)

Saul Mashbaum said...

Great story.

Also, next time, put your "great finder" daughter on the case.
She's done it before, and probably
can do it again. She's a terrific
resource to have around.

RivkA with a capital A said...

Saul -- she sure is!!