What gives validity to a person? I was named, raised, and identified as belonging to a family. A graduation certificate verified that a female of that name completed course work Sometime before starting my first job, I applied for and received a Social Security card, the nine digit number that supposedly could be tattooed on the toe of every U.S citizen given them rights and privileges and finding them if they broke a law or didn’t pay taxes. I did change the last name when I married. Dutifully, I updated documents and went on my way.
The first almost erasing came when I needed a passport in my late 20’s. I was adopted at 18 months – a story in itself. At the time, participants could just go to the office of the local judge, state intent, receive one of the “henceforth” letters and move on with life. I appeared at the passport office with my birth certificate and adoption papers and was told no. No one had carried out the next step process. I had to go back to Bureau of Statistics of Louisiana and get the right names on the right papers. Hurdle number one was conquered.
For fifty-six years, a name of first, maiden, and last, that “social” number, a passport, and a driver’s license allowed me to move through all business transactions that came up. I had my mother’s maiden name as a back-up proof of identity. Who else would know that? Then my husband died, and in 2017 I became a shadow of suspicion for the IRS. Evidently, a vast group of people claim to be the survivor of a joint account. Even though my 2017 tax return was prepared by a capable firm, I received a letter in January that I needed to validate my identity with a list of number and letter documents that would facilitate this happening. I had a phone call with a deep voiced agent who reminded me this was my one chance to prove I was who could claim that tax return. The river was crossed, yet the government shut down for two weeks, and I was lost in the flood waters. Finally in August, 2018, a body floated to shore and resuscitated with a check.
I thought all would go smoothly for 2018. Silly girl! I filed in October. A week later the letter came with the same requests of proof. I went to the office of my CPA. We tried doing proof on line. My house and car are paid for. I do have a credit card. The deal breaker was a company we own carries my cell phone, so it is not in my name. Back to talking to a strong voiced man. My CPA could give document information, and only he could speak. I felt myself becoming a ghostly shadow like an unanswered e-mail Some sweat drops later after being put on hold, he came back to say I was who I was. I am now in a list for a refund. Whew!
Even during those days of doubt, I was known and cared for. My first graders called me by name and came for a hug. I signed checks with my name, and they were cashed. Parts of family visited to go to a quilt show and take care of house chores for me. The essence of who I am remained rooted and grounded on a sure rock.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. And that is who we are! 1 John 1:30
Let Me Tell Ya 