So much depends upon a red bank account; as useless as a strangling appendix.
Useless Banking
I talked to my mother today, after a couple of days without news from her due to a blackout that totally offed the town. She had been feeling bad (cold, her old breathing problems and dizziness). On top of that, the palometas peludas are back.
She told me she feels tired, exhausted actually. It’s not so much old age and chronic diseases; it’s living here with all its implications, especially when you are old and suffer from chronic diseases.
She told me about her ordeal at the local bank. Her bank account has been as useful as an intestinal appendix.
She is too old and sick to go to the bank. She is almost blind. There is not always someone with a car to take her, but the bank refuses to accept something we used to have for cases like this: the legally authorized representative (a relative or legal guardian). Add to that dealing with the ever-present crowd under 100 degrees.
The thing is that my mother had some 400 Bs in her account (almost $90), but the bank only gives her 60 Bs (some $13) cash when she finally goes there in person.
I asked her if she could use her debit card (not a reliable option in a town with constant blackouts and phone service interruptions). No, she said. Her card expired and the bank had not issued a new one because of a new online registration service she has not been able to complete because she is old, does not have a smart phone, or a computer or internet at home.
The statue at the entrance of the town should be called the three disgraces, instead of the three graces. That would really honor all the pestilences that have befallen this town.
My mother sure misses the old days when people just handled cash. Her generation did not know what a bank account was until they had to deal with inheritance issues in the 80s or 90s. So much depends upon a red bank account; as useless as a strangling appendix.
Thanks for your reading
This was my entry to @mariannewest and @latino.romano’s 5 Minute Freewrite: Tuesday Prompt: BANK ACCOUNT. You can see the details here.
Make sure you visit the Freewrite House!!!
