The holidays are a time of peace for me. I savor and enjoy the presence of my family and friends. Recently, I was hurrying around preparing dinner for friends. The table was set, the candles lit and the “to-do” list completed.

I took a break and glanced at my emails. I recognized a friend’s name and her request to help her out with an Amazon gift card for her friend who had cancer. I get drawn into a vortex and, voila, I had been scammed for $400 in five seconds.

My guests were coming and I needed to remedy my stupid error of judgment. I wrote to Amazon, and they were professional, thoughtful and kind. They reassured me I would not be held responsible for the $400.

At the same time, I contacted my credit card company. I chatted with a woman named Ace, who listened and did her job with compassion and sincerity. She reassured me that I would have a new credit card in the next few days. The doorbell rang and my guest had arrived. I was ready for a glass of wine.

Today, Zach from FedEx delivered my new credit card. He took the time to chat and gently warned me to be vigilant.

Somehow, a very upsetting and disconcerting situation brought a beacon of light and presence into my life from three sources. It prompted me to stop and appreciate the kindness of strangers who were doing their job with understanding. At 82, I am grateful and blessed to still be able to turn lemons into lemonade.

Mary Louise Liucci-Smith
Scarborough

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