It was a bit of a surprise at the mailbox that afternoon reviewing the stack of catalogs, advertisements and bills I had received for the day, because there was one singular envelope that seemed to stand out from the rest. The envelope itself was of high quality stock with a gold colored lace at its edges and embossed lettering. As I walked toward my front door, I carefully opened the envelope but before I could look at the contents I stepped inside my house and tossed the other mail on the table.
Only then did I slowly withdraw the contents of the envelope and gently unfold the letter. My name and address were neatly printed at the top of the letter and under the subject line it merely said
Congratulations
. As I read on I learned that somehow, after all these years, my credit card company had bestowed me with a genuine, bona fide, sparkling Gold Card.
Reading further, the letter referred me to an enclosed booklet which outlined the many benefits of the card and all I had to do was call the toll free number and activate the card. I looked back in the envelope and pulled out the card, but I didn't see the booklet. I decided to notify them that I didn't get a booklet when I called up the number to activate the card.
I dialed the toll free number and a surly male voice answered, "Card verification, your card number," there was a pause, "please."
I began reading the number when he interrupted me, but his attitude seemed to change, he suddenly sounded so much more polite, "Pardon me sir, you are calling for a Gold Card verification?"
"Yes, I just got it in the mail today," I replied.
"Congratulations sir, we have a special line for Gold Card customers, let me connect you."
"Thank you," I replied meekly.
"You are very welcome, one moment please."
I waited for a moment listening to some very inspired music, nothing like I normally heard while on hold before. Suddenly there was a voice, a deep, husky, female voice, "Gold Card verifications, welcome and congratulations. Would you read your card number to me please?"