DEAR ABBY: My purse, containing all my personal identification, was recently stolen. Without my ID, trying to prove I exist has been a frustrating experience.
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I was unable to convince the Motor Vehicle Bureau and must go through the whole application process again. I notified the police department about my loss, closed my checking account and canceled all my charge cards.
Also in my purse was a booklet that is vital to my health. On the cover it stated, "If lost, by your mercy, please drop in any mailbox and the family will gladly pay the postage." It has not turned up. As an active octogenarian, my faith in common decency is shaken.
The Social Security office insisted on past medical records, which required my making two trips. My Social Security card and Medigap cards will arrive in due time.
Abby, perhaps your readers can learn from my experience. Tell them to photocopy all charge cards, front and back, and also their car registration and license, a voided check, their Social Security cards, health cards and health records. It can save them untold time and frustration in case there's a loss or theft. -- BELLEFONTE, PA., READER
DEAR READER: It's not necessary for me to tell my readers. You have done it, and very succinctly. However, I'd add one more suggestion: Keep the photocopies in a secure place such as a safe-deposit box.