I don’t know why, but tragedies always seem to happen in the early hours of the morning. This one was no exception; the flashing lights, the sobbing, the endless questions that may never be answered, the realization that death is just a part of life. But still…why, why my dishwasher, why the week before Thanksgiving when we had 20 people coming over for dinner? WHY???

On the morning of its demise, I turned on my much needed appliance to see the “Auto” and “Heavy” lights flashing, that sad omen of dishwasher death. Of course it was just two months out of warranty; but then I married a sensible man who keeps all of his receipts and buys appliances with his American Express card for their extended warranty.

I had one job. I had to call American Express because my name was on the card. It was a Blue Sky card, a clear one with silver writing that even the youngest pair of eyes has trouble seeing, let alone my middle-aged peepers.

I called. Francisco answered. I had to put him on speaker phone so I could understand his accent. I could tell immediately that Francisco was not having a good day. After giving him information to prove I’m me, he asked for the card number. Now, in my defense, I have never used a Blue Sky card before and felt that it was not outside the realm of possibility for it to be “different” than other credit cards.

“My card number is…8-0-0-E-T…Francisco, this is the weirdest card number I’ve ever seen…small letter h-2-5-2-5…”

“T?” Francisco was incredulous.

“Yes, T like in Thomas…Hey, wait a minute…that’s not right!”

And then, there it was, “NHIC ENNAXOR” It looked like the name of a new Star Wars planet, but it was just mine upside down in the upper right-hand corner.

“OH MY GOSH! Francisco, I’m reading my card upside down!”

I was laughing uncontrollably. Francisco was not amused.

I had tears in my eyes and could barely breathe let alone speak, but, in the midst of it all, I did somehow manage to turn my card right side up and read the correct numbers. Through it all Francisco maintained his civility, while I had to ask him repeatedly to “Please hold on a moment” so I could make an attempt at some form of self-control.

In the end our dishwasher was repaired with money to spare. Maybe I should call American Express and thank them? But then, I think of poor Francisco answering my call.

I guess it’s really not that big a deal.

The beautiful picture of ‘blue skies’ is complements of Pexel, a free picture site.