I've just spent 2 hours searching frantically, rummaging desperately and doubting my sanity. My mouth was dry, my heart was in said mouth and beating fast and my hands were shaking.
Why?
Well, in 9 days time I'm taking my granddaughter to Malta for a holiday. Everything is together, in a folder; hotel reservation, insurance documents, Maltese taxi bookings, airline tickets, Laura's passport........ So I went upstairs to get my passport and put it with the rest. I keep my passport in a small safe in my room.
It wasn't there!
Right, be methodical. Empty every drawer on to floor and search under lining papers. Wipe sweat from eyes. Empty large drawers under bed where spare bedding and Winter jumpers are kept. Drink glass of water as tongue is sticking to roof of mouth. Find "Malta wallet" where left-over Lire and small change are kept, tip out LM5 note and 79 cents change but no passport. Take deep breaths and tell self it has to be
somewhere as self got back into England last time self went away
. Come downstairs and search through every envelope, scrap of paper, stack of CDs, credit card bills etc. on computer desk. Tell self, if self doesn't calm down, self will have a heart attack and what good will that do anybody?
This isn't like me, I'm an orderly person for God's sake, but not this time, apparently. I wonder if Liverpool Pasport Office will issue a replacement if I go, in person, tomorrow. I have Birth Certificate, driving licence, NHS card, Civil Service ID card; surely they will?
I made my way, wearily, back upstairs to put everything away. I opened the wardrobe door to put the safe back. My suitcases are in there, and my flight bag.
Hang about! I opened my flight bag and, lo and behold, there was one passport still languishing in the side zipped pocket. Halleluyah!!!!
You know what I'm going to ask you now, don't you? Have you ever lost/thought you've lost something important and, if so, what was the outcome?
