You haven’t read from me in quite a time. I was wallowing in self-pity. Share with me the heartbreaking story of my tragic loss—in quotes and pictures:
Dear Customer:
An empty wrapper with your address was found in the mail and is believed to have been separated from a parcel during handling (see attached address portion of the wrapper.)
If the contents of the parcel have not been accounted for and you wish that a search be made for the article(s), please complete the bottom and reverse of this form and return it to the Mail Recovery Center.
An accurate and detailed description of each item essential [sic]. …
If after a thorough search, your merchandise is not located, take this form and wrapper to your local post office for postage refund. …
Experience has shown that proper packaging and including your name and address with the contents inside the parcel in most instances will avoid this inconvenience. To assure our customers the service they deserve, it is suggested that these measures be taken in future mailings.
We regret any inconvenience this matter may have caused you.
P.S. I discovered that I lost so much more than “only” the textbooks and folders I need for my studies. My Wichita Falls sweater. My poems. Rainer Wieland‘s dedication in 42. (Edit 01/15/2014 The list goes on: Die Möwe Jonathan in two languages; my brown and yellow button selection; zippers in almost every color of the rainbow; Der kleine Prinz in two languages; Nietzsche; Die Kritik der reinen Vernunft; …)