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Random Musings Blog archives

My Phantom Gift Giver

February 24, 2006 by Joanne Brokaw

I met the mailman as he brought my mail today, a big box filled with the mail that's been on hold for 10 days while we were on vacation.

I dumped it on the dining room floor and started sorting out media stuff from newspapers from junk mail and bills, and at the bottom of the pile was a small envelope addressed to me with no return address. When I opened it, I found a $25 gift card for Wegmans, with no note or anything.

The post mark just said "146" without the rest of the zip code and was dated February 13th. That means it was sent from Rochester, which eliminates most of my family, except my mother, and she wouldn't send something anonymously. "146" is the west side of the city, which eliminates David's side of the family.

I don't recognize the handwriting and can't think of anyone who would send me a gift card for $25.

I tried to remember if I'd given anyone the impression that I was in dire financial straits and in need of groceries but since we're not, I don't think it's a charity donation.

And it's addressed to me, not me and David, which adds to the mystery. It's not my birthday, only my husband would think to give me a Valentine's Day gift, and my favorite cousin sent a basketful of chocolate for Christmas that I'm still munching on (and since he's in Mass. I can tell from the zip code it's not from him).

I thought about calling Wegmans to see if they can tell me who purchased the gift card, but as I sit and think about it I realize that would defeat the purpose. Whoever sent it wants to remain anonymous.

So in that light, thank you! Maybe I'll spend it on something for a nice dinner for me and David. I'll spread out our beach towels under the new palm plant that I bought this morning at Wegmans when I went out for milk (it reminded me of Key West). We'll watch the video Marie gave us of the Conch Tour train and pretend we're still on vacation.

Or maybe I should spend it on a snack for our Wednesday night "Lost" get together with my neighbors, Flow and Brigitte. They watched our house while we were away.

Then again, I could put $25 to good use on food for the food pantry.

In any event, whoever sent the gift card, THANK YOU for the unexpected treat!!