Harder than Killing Spiders

Sitting in my car, preparing to go in to Winco for some groceries, I heard something drop. It was my credit card, and it fell down between the seat and the center console. Fortunately, I could see it. Unfortunately, I could not get my hand down there, not from where I sat, not by reaching from the front under the seat. Raising, lowering, moving the seat back or forward did not help. I was able to grasp and retrieve a very old shopping list, not quite pertinent for the day's purpose. And no credit card.

By now I was sweating. I got out of the car, sent the seat all the way forward, and began to reach from the floor of the back seat.

I pulled out two pairs of dark glasses, and that made me laugh. I pulled out a dime. I can always use a little change. By the way, I know there's at least another quarter down there somewhere.

But no. I could not reach the credit card.

My hands were scratched and greasy now, but, as you might know, I had to keep trying. It's the credit card I use a lot. Blah, blah, blah. And, of course, you have guessed by now that I finally retrieved it. Yes, I reached around from another direction and got it, holding on tight so as not to drop it.

Here's the thing. It was no easy task.

All this to underscore what I have believed for a long time, like since my husband died: if you have to do something, you can do it, even if it seems impossible for you. And there have been things harder than reaching that credit card. Much harder.

A valuable lesson for me. If I have to do something, really have to, I can do it.