I never lose things. I hate that feeling you get, that pit in your stomach and the momentary panic, when you realize something important is no longer where you thought it was and you now have no idea where it is. It’s terrible, so I do my due diligence to ensure I rarely, if ever, experience that moment. Alas, on my last trip, a three-day jaunt to Los Angeles for business meetings, I experienced just that gut-wrenching situation.

On my last morning of the trip, as I showered and prepared for the day, I had this overwhelming sense to check for my house keys. I was landing home late, at 11:30 p.m., that evening. As I searched and tore apart my bags, my suspicions were confirmed. I’d lost my keys somewhere along the way.

As I had appointments scheduled, I had to move on with my day, but I sent quick texts to my roommate, who had driven me to the airport, and my colleague, who I’d been riding with the last few days, asking them to check their cars. No luck. As I checked out of my hotel, I asked the front desk if anyone had turned in keys. No luck. I started making back-up plans to replace all my lost keys.

When I arrived at LAX, I called Philadelphia International Airport. Assuming it was a long shot, as I really could have dropped my keys anywhere, I was so relieved when, after describing them to the operator, she confirmed they had been turned in! I was doubly relieved when she told me the lost and found office was open 24 hours a day, meaning I’d be able to pick up my keys that evening, despite my late arrival.

Upon landing that evening, I encountered so many friendly airport staffers happy to point me in the direction of the office, even though it was nearing midnight and I am sure they were as exhausted as I was. Thankfully, my keys were returned, and I was home soon after landing without further incident.

It was an important lesson to me: Even in the hustle and bustle of travel, I need to take a minute to slow down sometimes and make sure I’m organized and all my belongings are intact. Next time, it might not be so easy to track down something as important as house keys.

— Kim Krol, managing editor