by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

Love Endures, Happiness Thrives; Ongoing Effects of Hurricane Ian & Other Disasters; Karma

Photo by Freestocks from Unsplash.

Love Endures, Happiness Thrives

A baseball cap on your profile page?

You were recommended to me,

so I’ll try to engage.

You’re probably bald, but we shall see!

Someone in emails, so much like me.

Southern drawl on the telephone.

I’m sure we’ll discover an affinity…

though I don’t know if you’re “the one.”

A two-hour lunch we’ll always remember,

sharing fajitas and conversation.

Feeling like I’ve known you forever;

from that day on, I had no reservations.

Joyful hours and days when time flies,

coming to know we are soul mates,

making promises, merging our lives.

Lucky we met. We thank the Fates.

Day by day, we grow old together…

A decade of wonder and surprise.

Through all the storms we weather,

love endures, happiness thrives!

Ongoing Effects of Hurricane Ian & Other Disasters

I think the internet is finally fixed! Monday the technician tightened a loose wire at the central box! Our internet, TV, and house phones were off for five days, the third such outage since the hurricane shook things up. Robert is out $250 for a modem the internet provider had recommended. It didn’t solve the problem, and Robert returned it, but they said they had never received it and refused to refund the money.

I got up one morning last week and discovered that a tree had fallen from the wooded lot behind us onto the power company right-of-way behind our house… five months after the hurricane!

It cost $1, 200 to get this large oak tree cut up and removed. The new roof, wall repairs, and previous tree removal are covered by homeowner’s insurance, but not this tree!

What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world

and loses his own soul?

Bible, New International Version, Mark 8:36

No good deed goes unpunished!

Oscar Wilde

Karma

A corrupt quartet

sought profit from others’ loss,

but karma stepped in!

Inflicting loss on others,

without gain, they sold their souls.

On Saturday afternoon, I was shopping at Publix supermarket when a woman, who apparently spoke little English, came up from behind me. Saying “Please,” she pointed and gestured for me to reach a product on a high shelf for her. Two times I tried, and she shook her head, but the third time I handed her the item, and she said,”Thank you.” When I went to the checkout a few minutes later, I discovered that my wallet was missing.

Suddenly, I realized the significance of my encounter with the woman and told a manager what had happened. Publix security cameras clearly showed a man acting as a lookout, a woman distracting me by asking me for help, and another woman removing my wallet from my tote bag in five seconds! The theft was recorded at 3:59. At 4:15, before I even missed my wallet, the security camera at the Walmart across a four-lane highway recorded the thieves trying to use my credit cards to pay for $504.94 worth of drinks and other groceries.There must have been a fourth person filling the cart at Walmart while the other three were robbing me.

All the cards they tried to use were declined because the credit card companies’ records show that I rarely spend more than $100 at the grocery store. All the four thieves got for their trouble was $8 in cash and incriminating videos in two stores. I hope they are caught and can never again do this to anyone else!

The wallet contained my drivers license, voter registration card, insurance and credit cards, checkbook, and my $450 car key fob. I will never again put my key fob, check book, and every card I possess in my wallet. I will never again leave my wallet in a tote bag, but will carry it in a small cross-body purse or a fanny pack. You are never too old to learn to do things differently!

A Publix Manager said that in the seven years he had been at the store, no customer had ever been robbed. Lucky me…I am the first! After I waited for two hours at Publix for the police, The manager gave me my groceries for free, and one of the Publix employees took me home and brought Robert back to pick up the car. I soon had to return to the store to fill out a police report. Finally, late that night, I got a chance to cancel my cards and order new ones.

The next three days were spent at Motor Vehicles (twice) who wanted proof of residence, the bank (twice), who needed my driver’s license, and the bureau of elections. I had to change my checking account and online banking and call Social Security and insurance companies about changes in my direct deposit. I contacted Medicare, AAA, AARP…The details are endless, but I am gaining on them. Though everyone has been unbelievably helpful, it has been an ordeal!

I don’t know how I could have managed without Robert’s help! While I was waiting at Motor Vehicles and the bank, I wrote a Valentine poem for Robert and later made it into a card.

Yesterday, we went to the car dealership to replace my key fob and reprogram Robert’s. When we returned, there were eight roofers on our roof installing new shingles. Robert and I were nervous about the shingles we had selected, but we are very happy with the finished roof! The next thing we have to do is hire someone to repair the numerous hairline cracks in our walls that appeared in the weeks after Hurricane Ian…

Robert followed up his recent pacemaker surgery with a cardiologist last week. Many tests are scheduled, some this week, some after Robert’s daughter visits in a couple of weeks. Then my daughters are coming in March, and we are planning a road trip. I will post the photos!

No need to worry. I promise you, I will not be bored anytime soon!

Copyright© 2023 by Cheryl Batavia

❤ Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone! ❤

February 14th

May you enjoy the love of the special people in your lives on Valentine’s Day and always!

87 Comments

  2. Oh, my goodness. Cheryl, you’ve had so much to handle at once. So glad the thieves didn’t quite get what they were hoping from stealing your wallet. Thanks for writing about your experience so that we could learn from it.

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  3. Gosh, Cheryl! What a nightmarish time you have been through!
    No, we are never too old to learn new things.
    The roof looks good, the poem is so endearing and your equanimity worth emulating. Thank you for being you, Cheryl. Wishing Robert all the best for his tests. Sending you lots of love. ❤️❤️

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  4. Love your love story/ poem to Robert and hope all the tests come back A o k!!! You have been through so much and yet are so positive. I admire that so much!! I will pray for you and Robert!!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 As for what happened in the supermarket, it is always a shock when something like that happens and a feeling of having been violated. I am sorry all of these things happened to you but hope good news about Robert and a good road trip will heal the wounds!! Sending extra love, Ellen

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    1. Ellen, I am happy to know you like the poem, and I appreciate your empathetic and encouraging response. Thank you! ❤ I feel that all will turn out OK with Robert, and yes, I am really looking forward to a road trip with my daughters, Ellen and Katey, who are coming from Texas to spend a few days with us.

      Wishing you all the best! ❤

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    1. Filipa, your kind and empathetic comment is very much appreciated. ❤ ❤ ❤ Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the poem.

      I feel confident that things will turn out OK here. 🙂 Sending you and your family all the best. Wishing you sunny days and spring flowers!

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  6. Lucky we met, we thank the fate… what a lovely line and poem, so appropriate for Valentine’s Day. But I’m really sorry, Cheryl, for all your troubles. It’s hell of the job to get new cards etc. It’s a lesson to be learnt by others. I’m happy for roof, and Robert and the forthcoming family get together. All the best 👍❤️🙏

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      1. Yes, exactly, Cheryl, I’m also of the same view. Learning from the mistakes of others don’t cost anything. And I truly enjoyed your poem. Always a pleasure to read you 💗💗

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  7. Punam said it well … what an ordeal you’ve been through in so many ways! Very glad you have a soul mate to support you as you work through all those hairline fractures that such theft causes 🙂

    Enjoy you kids visits, I am sure Roberts tests will be ok … karma 🙂

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    1. Haha! Karma indeed. Robert has been very supportive and is a good person who deserves good outcomes. Thank you so much, Kate, for your lovely and encouraging remarks. I do expect positive outcomes and look forward to visits with my kids. 🙂 All the best to you!

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  9. I love your Valentine poem to Robert 🙂 So sorry about the theft of your wallet and the headache thereafter. Since my days of living in Fortaleza/Brazil, I wear my handbag cross-body to deter handbag snatchers.

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    1. Thank you, Rosaliene, for your empathetic, helpful comment. ❤ Being robbed has convinced me to be more careful in the future. I dug a small cross-body bag and a small wallet out of the closet and am now doing just as you do. I hope others can avoid making my mistakes. Have a great weekend! ❤

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the poem, Maggie. Thank you for your kind words. ❤ I wrote the poem while I was waiting at the bank and the DMV. I always carry paper and pencil to doctor's and dentist's offices. Writing helps to distract me. 🙂 Of course, I was also looking for a way to show my appreciation for Robert's invaluable support after I was robbed.

      I am in awe of your travels and strenuous activities. I think it's so great that you and Richard can do these trips together! Happy Valentine's Day to both of you! ❤

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  12. Thank you, Michelle. Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Glad you like the poem. ❤

    That tree appeared to be in perfect health and had survived Hurricane Ian. When it fell, however, it was rotten at its core. We were so surprised!

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  15. Oh dearest Cheryl,
    words can’t describe how horrible i feel for your ordeal. that is just awful. Wow a 4 man operation and they came up with 2 dollars each between them. i love your lesson of wearing a crossbody purse which is all i wear these days and it helps. But if understandably could have been ‘don’t help” but not you with your huge heart. I’m sooooo sorry. This is such a pain and I’m so glad you have Robert as your soulmate to make the ride smoother. What a beautiful Valentines poem to him.
    That’s a big tree and another set back alright! Your roof looks beautiful as well! Happy you are finally getting time with your kids. That’s awesome and that the internet is fixed. Glad Robert is doing well! xoxoxox HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY💗

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    1. Thank you so much, Cindy, for your kind and empathetic message. I have never felt so lucky to have Robert! I have been counting my blessings about how kind the people in the Publix and the bank have been, and the fact that I wasn’t hit over the head or shot!

      I feel hopeful that Robert will be OK. His pacemaker surgery was an emergency, and he had to find a cardiologist to follow up. Our first impression of the cardiologist was positive, and I may switch to him. He found some issues he is hopeful that he can deal with, but the tests at this time are standard, and most are noninvasive.

      Glad you like the poem and the roof. I am looking forward to the family visits!

      I crashed this afternoon and took a two-hour nap, something I almost never do! I think recent events caught up with me. Reading your encouraging comments gave me a boost! Very much appreciated!

      Hope your Valentine’s Day is Awesome! ❤ ❤ ❤

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      1. You’e so welcome Cheyrl. I can only imagine and I’m glad the bank and the stores have been so supportive. I so know what you mean. Tonight I was at the gym and I thought of you because someone was going through the lockers. Good I had my phone, keys and license in my zip pant.
        The other night I was at the vet and a man came in screaming at the receptionist and Dr. and I just wanted to flee. A gun was the first thing I sadly thought about, sadly.

        Oh good, I’m so glad to hear about Robert and pace makers usually go quite smoothly so that’s great and it sounds like this doc is a good one and you might have yourself a new doctor as well which is a bonus.

        Love your poem!~!! Oh that’s awesome you will all be together since you missed xmas.

        Oh good for you! You obviously needed a rest. That’s soooo smart your body let you know and you listened. I’m delighted to know that.

        Thank you so much… low key but nice for sure! 💞you do the same and big hugs. 🤗💗🤗🌹

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  16. Oh, my! So many ordeals going on at one time, Cheryl. However, you faced all of them and took control. Love the poem, and agree we are never too old to learn. I got rid of the big bags I used to carry and opted for a small cross-body bag too. I am glad you have Robert as your soulmate and you will be spending time with your kids. Happy Valentine’s Day! 💖

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    1. Thank you, Eugi, for your lovely response! I am happy that you enjoyed the poem. Your kind, encouraging words mean a lot to me! ❤

      I am thinking that those small cross-body bags may become high fashion again, but I will use mine even if they are not! 🙂 Robert has been one of the best things that ever happened to me! I am looking forward to seeing my kids again.

      Hope your Valentine's day is outstanding! ❤ ❤ ❤

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  17. When love is true, its light shines forever and a clear example of this is you. I loved the poem.
    Despite all that you have had to witness lately, the important thing is to move forward because life gives us lessons in some way and as you rightly say there is no age to learn, unfortunately we are on the lookout for bad people and nature itself.
    Smile always and may God bless you.
    Hugs from afar, dear Cheryl.

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    1. Lincol, your kind words mean a lot to me. Thank you so much for your empathy and encouragement! ❤ You are right about learning lessons and moving forward! It is hard to believe that people can be that ruthless! I still believe that most people are good!

      Have a great weekend! 🙂

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    1. Thank you, LaDonna for your encouraging words! ❤ People at the store and the bank were very helpful and kind, and Robert has been wonderful! I crashed this afternoon and slept for two hours, something I never do. I think recent events caught up with me!

      I feel that everything will be OK! The worst is over, and I am looking forward to spending time with my daughters. 🙂

      Have a great weekend! ❤

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  23. I had to get to ft Myers to help with my folks property… it was not the same place it was before Ian…. Like everything everywhere was… unreal. Prayers for everything to come together for you and these slow moving people to aid you in recovery and some money honey!!! 💚

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    1. Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your parents’ property. I saw some of the devastation south of us on the news. We consider ourselves lucky. The damage was slight and our insurance company paid for a new roof, repair of cracks in the walls, and the removal of the trees from the lot next to us that fell on the house. We didn’t have any broken windows or flooding. The repairs to the walls still need to be made.

      Your parents are lucky to have your help! I hope the damage is not too great! ❤ ❤ ❤

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      1. Don’t be! The entire area was affected in one way or another and some completely! I’m just grateful they’re alive- that damn house is replaceable…

        Glad you all are coming out of this on the other side alright!! All the material stuff can be fixed or replaced! 💚

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  24. Wow! I’m sorry for the extra challenges. It’s good to know the Publix manager gave you your groceries for free and an employee gave you a ride home. It’s great that people have been helpful. Thanks for letting us know about this. I will definitely be more careful. Karma catches up eventually. I hope it’s soon. I’m so thankful you have an abundance of love in your life.

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    1. Thanks so much, Joanna, for your kind and encouraging words. ❤ I am making a lot of progress in replacing what I have lost. Karma? Yes, I hope the ill-intentioned quartet are prevented from doing this to anyone else! I don't know what I would have done without the help of kind people and Robert's support! I’ve started carrying a small cross-body purse, and resolved never to "put all my eggs in one basket” again Also, I will try to remember to take my cell phone when I go somewhere.

      Have a great weekend! ❤

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  25. Hi Cheryl,

    Things like this makes me angry.
    I usually have little to do or recover when they’re out of my control.

    Robbers have ignored what it means, and has value, of the things you were carrying inside your bag.

    Fortunately, you’re able to take necessary actions required in such situation.
    The grocery store workers were helpful.
    The thieves must have got their lesson Iearn, I guess.

    We should not be the possible ‘target’ of such ill minded people.
    We can do so gaining our strength, become enough aware and informed, and not loose our patience in critical circumstances.

    Your poem is beautifully designed.
    I like those pinky hearts.💕
    Robert, you and your family, take care of yourself. And enjoy.

    Happy Velentines Day!

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    1. Lokesh, I truly appreciate your empathetic response and encouragement. I have adopted more secure habits…never too old to learn! I am making good progress recovering what was taken from me. Almost all can be replaced, but it is quite an ordeal…something I don’t want ever to repeat!

      Happy you enjoyed the poem! Thank you for your Valentine’s greeting. Wishing you the love of friends and family now and always! ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Disaster management is so important, Lokesh! I am thankful for the well-organized efforts of teams from all over the country who came to help our area recover from Hurricane Ian! Their kindness and tireless efforts to clear roads, restore electricity, make emergency repairs, and provide clean water, food, and ice meant a lot to us.

      This was the worst Hurricane Florida ever experienced, and the damage was extensive. The repairs and rebuilding will be going on for a very long time. Our roof has been replaced, and the trees that fell on our house are gone. Repairs to hairline cracks in walls still need to be done.

      It is so admirable that you have chosen to help others in your career! Wishing you every success and fulfillment! ❤

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    1. Thank you, Veena, for your kind words. ❤ Hopefully, we are about to have some good times! We are looking forward to family visits over the next couple of months. I am especially looking forward to a four-day road trip to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park with my two daughters who will visit from Texas next month. We have booked two boat tours and hope to see a lot of wildlife! 🙂

      Have a great week ahead! ❤

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  29. First off, hope all goes well with the cardiologist – based on the lovely poem at the beginning it is easy to tell the two of you strengthen each other’s hearts. In contrast, sorry to hear about your grocery store experience … unfortunately, I know at least somewhat about what you are going through – had our new checks stolen out of our mailbox many years ago and had to clean up “messes” all over the city – many due to clerks not checking IDs before cashing the forged checks. Your experience was definitely more personal – fortunately it is the bad few that cause distrust in the good many. Hang in there.

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  30. Goodness, my friend! How horrid, those people— I’m ashamed.
    This shouldn’t be happening to anyone.
    The hassle of that! Shame on them. But besides the hassle I’m so happy to know they didn’t inflict damage. And you got people to treat you with respect and kindness.
    Still I feel so bad for you. Those people will get what they deserve.

    Oh, the poem is lovely. Thanks for sharing. Take care. Blessing you.

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  34. Oh my days Cheryl, you have been through sooo much. I really pleased no one has been hurt in the hurricane but what a large amount of hurdles to manoeuvre. Glad you have been able to get them all sorted. Beautiful poems. Sending you positive vibes and energy Anna ✌💜☯🖤☮💜

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    1. Thank you so much, Anna, for your kind words. 🙂 Glad you like the poems. We had an enjoyable visit from Robert’s daughter this week. We hadn’t seen her for four years. I am looking forward to a visit and a road trip through Everglades National Park with my daughters a week from now. I will post photos!

      Have a good week, Anna! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

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  36. Life has a way of offering challenges. Glad you are safe and karma came around. We had internal issues last year with a faulty applance. What a mess.

    Best to you on your home recovery and visits with family and travel.

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      1. It was, as I am sure you know – any restoration is a distruption and work. But the end results – Well there is thankfully an end.

        I used to carry around a pocketbook… and bags etc. But for years I’ve just had a wallet that I keep in my back pocket with a clip to my belt buckle. I have a different sort of front facing fanny pack for when I take my phone with me that goes around my waist often under a shirt layer. And there are only the things I need in it. But , while I haven’t done so I read that it is a good thing to take a front and back (make one page if you can (or a few if you need) of every important card in your wallet. Especially when you travel to have a paper copy of your passport info pages. So… it will be easier when/ if replacement is needed.

        Glad your CC company was on the ball. Twice we had issues with attempts at computer hacking – but hubby who has always been careful keeps a good protection program in place. And I’m careful of links etc.

        Yes, it is always something. Be safe and enjoy you day (((Hugs)))

        Liked by 1 person

  37. That poem, in the beginning, had me smiling, so deeply lovely!! And then I was so sorry to hear what you had to go through with the wallet stolen! It is an ordeal certainly even though things can be taken care of. I am glad to know of your trip now, it might have helped ease off the stress hopefully.

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    1. Glad the poem brought a smile, Pregalba! Thank you for your kind words. ❤ Robert is always there for me, always supportive.

      I have changed my way of doing things since I was robbed. You are never too old to learn something new!

      The vacation was such a joyous break from a challenging year. It had been a year and a half since I had seen my daughters. We had a great time! 🙂

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