why do bad things happen to good people?
It was the day before Christmas, around 6pm, when my mom and I were walking on our home street, when a guy aboard a motorycle came up from behind and snatched my mom's bag. In one instant, everything was gone - wallet with cash, credit cards and identification cards, documents, cellphone, a few cheques (unsigned of course), and personal belongings including a rosary from Rome and a handkerchief that wiped a grotto in Rome. All gone.
When we got home, my mom reported the theft to the credit card companies in case the thief (or rather his female relative or friend) decides to use the credit card and forge the signature. We can't take any chances - establishments just aren't as strict as they should be. Really, they should be reprimanded. Meanwhile, I called up Globe so they could block the SIM card and the thief wouldn't be able to charge calls and texts to my mom's account. Unfortunately the phone was not boought from Globe so they couldn't lock it, and even if they could, there are a lot of unlocking tools around. What she was really mourning was the loss of her identification cards (SSS, PRC, etc) because it wasn't easy to get them replaced. The only "valid" ID she has now is her passport.
The next day, we went to the police to issue a blotter. At least it was on the record.
How did I feel? A mixture of anger, frustration, and sadness. What a way to end the day before Christmas. I could have taken the plate number, but I wasn't aware of what happened until it was too late. When her bag was snatched, my mom shouted "Hoy, Hoy" but I didn't know at first whom she was shouting at or why she was shouting because it was just "Hoy". It happened fast and smooth that I didn't see the snatching. Only after the thief got far did I learn what happened. By then it was too late to take the plate number. How I wish I had the chance to get the plate number. Better yet, how I wish the snatching never happened. But like they said, fine, vent out the misfortunes in material things (at least we were safe and sound), and leave the misfortunes in 2006. There was nothing else we could do except to learn from the experience. Lesson learned - the HARD way.
My dad said if he had been there he could have fired a warning shot, or shot at the motorcycle (not at the person of course, like the police said, "man is [still] above all"). But if my dad was there it could never have happened, because we'd be riding on our own vehicle, and not commute home (jeep and walking).
The ironic thing was, the day before the incident I left my Laking National card and SM Advantage card to my mom so she could use it when she made purchases, so I could earn more points. Instead of earning points, both cards were stolen as well, gone with the thief who snatched my mom's bag. Of course this isn't much, compared to the loss of the bag and all its important contents.
Is it any wonder why I couldn't feel the spirit of Christmas much this season? And if anyone has the answer to my question posing as the title of this journal entry, please feel free to enlighten me.
Always be careful, and stay aware of your surroundings. Anything can happen.