The Day I Lost $1,100 to a Pile of Mail

The woman on the phone from the hospital billing department was professional. Kind, even.

“We sent you a refund check for $1,100 back in March,” she explained. “It’s expired now, so we’re cutting you a new one. Could you please watch for it this time and cash it?”

This time.

I mumbled something about being so sorry, thanked her, and hung up. Then I stared …