st anthony

you've had these moments: you know you have to have your keys with you because the car is locked but you can't find them anywhere!?

this happened yesterday when i was out to lunch.  getting ready to leave, my keys were nowhere to be found.  not...in my purse, pockets, or the restroom. not under the table or on the sidewalk. 

this very kind older woman as well as the waitress helped me look. still nowhere. the older woman suggested a prayer to st. anthony, patron saint of lost things.  i had 'nothing to lose' by trying. 

no sooner did i thus summon the patron than a family walked in. the dad immediately found my keys, which had fallen down in behind a boxed cookie display, being as his kids were about that tall and wanted cookies. 

everyone turned and thanked him. "your name's not anthony, by chance?" i joked, found keys in hand.