Why You Should Never Toss That Expired Voucher

Why you should never toss that expired voucher. Two words. Consult Francine.

Yes, just last week our 95 year-old taught us an important lesson on why you should never toss that expired voucher.

But first, a brief pause for background. My sister hosted an extended family party for me a few nights before my official birthday so that my niece Chelsea, the Jubilee Jones founder who lives in LA, could attend. Chels organized a brilliant party game of a series of questions. The theme? Me. I’m sure everyone made up most of their answers. I don’t remember doing half the things they insisted I did …

The evening was joyously chaotic with 14 partiers ranging in age from nine months to 95 years-old. Some of us chose to dine on the floor under the table, a few gobbled smushed treats off of their high chair trays and still others opted to elevate the affair by demonstrating the art of ‘properly’ eating dessert using a fork and a spoon.

Thanks again, Wend. You’re the best sister a girl could ask for.

Now back to that expired voucher.

Why You Should Never Toss That Expired Voucher

Francine always treats us on our actual birthday. This year she suggested having my birthday lunch at The Secret Garden.

Oh, yes, please. The Secret Garden Tea Company is a Vancouver treasure. Hidden away on a quiet street, it’s always busier than a two-for-one sale on Kindle. They’re known for their healthy soups, sandwiches and salads as well as their exquisite high teas. We appreciate the fact that no matter how hectic it is, they never rush you.

Francine added: “I’ve got a voucher.”

That wasn’t surprising. A Secret Garden voucher is THE perfect gift for our almost 96 year-old. In fact, she’d used one for our last meal there together in July.

Francine was beautifully turned out and very excited when my daughter and I picked her up just before 11:30 on my birthday.

“I’ve got a voucher! I found it in my drawer.”

I nodded and let my daughter deal with the bulky wheelie and settle her grandmother into the car. Once that was accomplished we pulled away from the curb and headed south for the requisite 37 blocks.

“There Might Be A Wee Problem With The Voucher”

My mother then proudly (and needlessly) announced she wasn’t wearing her hearing aids. “The right one always pops out at the most inopportune time. I’ve had a long chat with the delightful woman and we’ve agreed I should choose another type. They arrive in three weeks.”

I made a mental note to be patient today. Francine doesn’t realize she prefaces most sentences with “What did you say?” And yes, one day I hope to be 95 and needing hearing aids.

“What was that about the voucher, Mom?”

“What did you say, Kel? Oh the voucher? It’s expired.”

Expired? I suggested that perhaps her granddaughter could confirm that particular detail. M’s voice stopped me cold.

“Gaga, this voucher expired in 2009.”

Francine dismissed her panicked concern with a desultory wave.

“I’ll sort it out with the server. It’ll be fine.”

“2009? That’s NINE years ago, Mom!”

“What did you say, Kel? Fine? Yes, you’re right. I’m sure it’ll be fine!”

Sweet Jesus. This’ll be another one for the books.

Once we’d stashed the wheelie and settled at our reserved table, I felt it only right to make one more stab at it. Perhaps she should inform the server before we ordered? The general manager needed to be enlightened. Immediately.

“Nonsense. I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll tell them you gave it to me. I’m sure it’s from you.”

My quick glance at the handwriting on the envelope proved her wrong.

“It’s from Wendy, Mom.”

“How lovely, now what are you two going to have?”

If she wasn’t concerned about presenting a nine year-old voucher, I wasn’t going to fuss either. Besides, I’d brought my credit card with me. We went ahead and ordered lunch. For three.

Afterwards Francine presented this to the server. Along with a confident smile.

Thank you to the kind souls at The Secret Garden for graciously honoring a nine year-old voucher. And to the server for enthusiastically informing my mother that after the payment she still had a whole 10 cents left on that expired voucher.

We’ll be back. Often.