My recent tries to expand my skills in automated communication meant that I needed to deal with a credit card I received in my departed husband’s name. I should inform them he no longer finds their card necessary. He has all he needs or wants in a wonderful place where credit cards aren’t even a faint memory.
So, in order to avoid confusion with my own card used at a local discount store, I attempted to reach out to the credit company. I say attempted because, as with most communication systems these days, my call was far from direct. I used the contact information on the back of the card and ran into a labyrinth of potential department choices.
I had punched in the number and the following message greeted me:
If you want to speak to someone about paying a bill, press one.
If you want to question a bill, press two.
If you want to add a user, press three.
If you want a new card, press four.
If you want to stop a card, press five.
All I wanted at this point was to speak to a real person. The options couldn’t possibly include my situation. After five offers, I worried that those were the only choices I would be given, but I had little to fear on that score. At the end of five selections, my new automated friend went on to give me five more. Surely after ten offers, they would give up and hand me over to a human. But no, I listened with hope only to hear another five and another five.
Somewhere after around 25 options, I was given the chance to talk to a card company representative. She answered in a professional but friendly manner as I explained my situation. I kind of whined about the automation, which she understood, but told me I could have selected one of the first few numbers given me. However, she sweetly helped me close out my husband’s account and our business ended as a successful transaction, without any meltdowns or defeated hang-ups on my part. I guess that good old persistence is the best approach to this dilemma to we who find themselves trapped in a technology maze.
Fellow techno-challenged Seniors: bravely hang on and see where the roller coaster takes you before jumping off. When you finally run into a human, humbly explain your lack of understanding and beg for grace. If you’re as confused as I am, remember, we’re all in this together. Don’t give up without a fight!
Also, remember that communing with the head CEO of everything, God Himself, is just a matter of saying a prayer, anytime and anywhere. He’s available 24/7 and is happy to listen to you about anything you’d like to tell Him. As well, He has wonderful answers to the problems you may experience, although your answer may not be immediate. Be that as it may, He does have all the resources to deal with it and cares about how it impacts you, regardless of your lack of techno-knowledge or prowess.
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
