News-Record.com

This can also be titled: The Return of the Missing Wallet.

I recently learned more about how the wallet I had lost in the Target parking lot on Lawndale Drive came to be returned to me in its wholeness.

First, I have since learned the name of the UPS driver who found the wallet in the parking lot and took it across the street to Miller Vision. The staff at Miller tells me his name is Joel. So Joel, if you're reading, "thank you" is inadequate, but it's a start.

In my overwhelming joy at getting my wallet back, I stupidly displayed an astounding case of myopia. I failed to see -- and ask about -- the broader picture of the effort some of the staff there at Miller Vision went to.

In the words of Tammy at Miller Vision: "Donna H. and I were the ones that actually found a way to contact you... I called the police station to inquire about turning in the wallet. We also looked in the phone book, but the address on your license did not match any in the phone book. We reluctantly searched your wallet (we didn't want to snoop) but we felt it was important in this situation. Donna called Verizon, on the off chance that they could help. What a relief for us when he was able to contact you!"

Neither of them wants to toot their horn, but it's important that we all know their honesty and goodness. Part of the reason why I didn't stay that day and talk to them more was because of how busy they were; everyone was doing something with or for a patient. Only now do I realize that, as busy as they were, they took the time to return that wallet to me.

To the ladies there, like Joel at UPS, let me start with "thank you."

Since I don't wear glasses or contacts, I don't regularly have my vision tested. Perhaps it's time; maybe then I won't have to rely so much on hindsight.