Horrible,irresponsible,sad return trip news for our family

[GregfromGa]

Our flight was 4 hours late leaving JFK to Atlanta. Upon arriving into Atlanta with the sleeping baby we managed to lose my wife's purse containing my mother-in-laws life savings of 6K. She just didnt trust Ukrainian banks and to win that debate was impossible. Everything is a blur after leaving Concourse E headed to baggage claim in Atlanta. Within 4 minutes we knew it was missing. There is no reason to point fingers at each other and we must put this behind us. We are certainly not rich and this will sting to repay. We have not and will not tell her mother. We also had cash lost as well as car keys($300 to replace because it's a special key and I had to tow the car to the dealer) credit cards,drivers license,SS# cards for wife and baby. No one has tried to use them as of yet. Lost and found in Hartsfield is a joke. No one really gives a damn. We blame no one but ourselves but it just goes to show you how easy something like this can happen. We have a sick feeling that will never go away when it comes to this trip but hopefully we can learn from it. I just wish the person that picked that bag up wouldve been honest. The purse contained our baby cup and spoon and bib as well. Crying doesnt help but trust me it has happened. When traveling with baby or not just do yourself a favor and slow down. We literally had to sprint through JFK on our first leg going to Kiev only to have to wait 2 hours. They were calling our names over the loudspeaker as we unloaded from Atlanta. I appreciate the words of sympathy before they come and I certainly realize how foolish and irresponsible we were. My wife is usually so careful as you guys married to RW/UW can attest. It happened so fast. Maybe someone will have a heart but in these times I just dont foresee that happening.

[Shadow]

Only one thing to say... sorry you have this experience.

[Diplomacy]

Greg:

I hate to hear about things like this happening to good people.  You are doing the right thing and $6K is a large amount of money to anyone.  The fact is I would not trust any bank there and well we really can not trust any bank here as latest news reminds us.  The government put FDIC into place because depression era Americans would do the same exact thing.

The family is safe and healthy.  Just keep saying that and the reality of the fact is you could not have slowed down, and the baby is the priority.  It is easy to say, Oh we could catch a later flight, but hours are days when traveling with a baby.

You did the right thing with MIL not knowing.  As far as I am concerned, the right thing when dealing with a RW MIL and FIL is they have been through enough in most cases.  I always have a hard time with the truth being the wrong thing in some cases.  I guess that is a personal issue, but there are many times when the truth only hurts and nothing to be gained from it.  It is more like you are being selfish by sharing the burden.

All IMO of course, but stay strong and put it in perspective.  I have a pretty long list of things started that cost little or no money to do, if you need any ideas let me know.  I got 6-8 months of trying to keep my mind off the fact that the people I want to do things with are just not going to be here to do it.  Plus emotion roller coaster and I am a master at over thinking.

Hang in there, you will get through it over time.  Do not try to go without short term and make it up long term.  Talk it through with your wife and come up with a plan that is acceptable to both of you and own that plan.  

[Admin]

Our flight was 4 hours late leaving JFK to Atlanta. Upon arriving into Atlanta with the sleeping baby we managed to lose my wife's purse containing my mother-in-laws life savings of 6K. She just didnt trust Ukrainian banks and to win that debate was impossible. Everything is a blur after leaving Concourse E headed to baggage claim in Atlanta. Within 4 minutes we knew it was missing. There is no reason to point fingers at each other and we must put this behind us. We are certainly not rich and this will sting to repay. We have not and will not tell her mother. We also had cash lost as well as car keys($300 to replace because it's a special key and I had to tow the car to the dealer) credit cards,drivers license,SS# cards for wife and baby. No one has tried to use them as of yet. Lost and found in Hartsfield is a joke. No one really gives a damn. We blame no one but ourselves but it just goes to show you how easy something like this can happen. We have a sick feeling that will never go away when it comes to this trip but hopefully we can learn from it. I just wish the person that picked that bag up wouldve been honest. The purse contained our baby cup and spoon and bib as well. Crying doesnt help but trust me it has happened. When traveling with baby or not just do yourself a favor and slow down. We literally had to sprint through JFK on our first leg going to Kiev only to have to wait 2 hours. They were calling our names over the loudspeaker as we unloaded from Atlanta. I appreciate the words of sympathy before they come and I certainly realize how foolish and irresponsible we were. My wife is usually so careful as you guys married to RW/UW can attest. It happened so fast. Maybe someone will have a heart but in these times I just dont foresee that happening.

Travel has become stressful even in the best of circumstances. Traveling with an infant is incredibly stressful.

While it is no consolation for the loss, between the many distractions and your priority being on your child, it is certainly understandable how something like this could happen.

I hope some Good Samaritan will come through for you guys.

Best Wishes,

- Dan

[GregfromGa]

Thanks guys. The thing is we all need to know that it can happen to you. Like I said my wife is usually so careful and frugal. She accounts for every penny earned and spent so you can imagine about this. I'm in the process of contacting the credit agencies and getting the ball rolling with the fraud depts of each agency. Obviously the purse feel into the wrong hands or we wouldve been contacted by now. We just cannot take the chance that the money was taken and the purse thrown away. The people in Atlanta just kinda look at you like you're crazy when you ask simple questions. There are no cameras on the trains. Like I said we blame no one but ourselves. My wife is a seamstress so she understands about 6K. At least we have our health. Things couldve been worse for sure. Just be careful guys.

[Blues Fairy]

So sorry this happened to you guys!
But, like my Dad used to say, It's only money.  Money goes around and comes around, not to worry.  Baby and wife and yourself are fine and that's what matters.  Cheer up!

[groovlstk]

Greg, this is horrible news. I'll say a prayer that whoever picked up that purse is wrestling with his or her conscience right now and decides to do the right thing.

[Misha]

Are you sure it was lost? Perhaps I am a bit paranoid. I saw how well pickpockets work in Russia. You were the perfect target in the perfect place: distracted by baby, visibly rushing to get to the next flight, in a large airport where you have tens of thousands of people going in and out of the airport every day. I am really sorry for you loss, but perhaps it can be a warning to others. IMO you should NEVER keep large sums of money in a purse or bag. If I have to travel with large amounts of cash, I keep it in a money belt where it is impossible to get it out without my getting undressed. 

[tfcrew]

Travel has become very hectic ..
Most of the airlines are really unsympathetic.
Cash and documents must be strapped on your person at all times. Especially in restrooms.
From other personal experience...that "sick feeling" will eventually go away.
As far as former FSU banks are concerned...perhaps a thread should be opened up on this [if there isn't one already]...I would guess the Odds and Ends forum would be the place.
In the meantime ...
http://www.ukraine-observer.com/articles/225/951
FWIW the banking laws of Ukraine [Adobe]...
http://www.bank.gov.ua/ENGL/B_legisl/LawBB_e.pdf

[Mishenka]

Greg, this happend to me flying United Airlines through Denver, it took 4 days to clear up. When it comes to lost purse or wallet, if found or turned in with cash inside, the policy of most airlines is to put it in their safe at the terminal and call the local city police.  It took 3 days for me to get that call from a local Denver Sheriff.  You still have a possible chance of recovery. There are still honest people walking around in airport terminals or cleaning the planes,  flight attendants who search the bins and under the seats for lost items.   If people can afford to fly, they usually have money on them and won't steal a purse.  On the flip side of the coin, of course there are dishonest people who will jump at the chance to steal cash from the purse but  rarely keep it in their possession. As it turned out, I had paid my bill at the place I was eating and left my wallet at the bar, and the bartender gave it to the security guard at the terminal.  I was lucky this time.
 
The problem in airports is the right hand never has a clue what the left hand is doing. People stick to their jobs and won't do any favors.  Employees changing shifts at the airport terminals won't follow through with lost and found items. When it comes to money, it must be handled differently. In my case, they put the cash in their safe and sent my wallet with credit cards on the next plane with a receipt for the amount that was inside to Omaha where I picked it up. Having no ID or cards on me I couldn't leave the airport.  They sent me upstairs to get a check from united for the full amount of my cash. Wallet and credit cards were in an envelope. I signed a release and went to a local bank to cash the check.  

Don't give up! keep calling the local city police, ask if someone turned the purse in from the airline terminal, keep calling the airport. Make some noise, and see if someone can locate it.  You say there are only two places it can be, either JFK or Atlanta,  Stay positive on this an we all hope for the best!  If there is a "next time" keep your cash in your money belt or sew a pocket in back side of your undies and keep it close to you at all times. I've smuggled lost of cash in and out of various countries this way.
Best of luck,
Mishenka

[Andreas]

This truly sounds like a horrible experience! There's not much else I can say, really, except that its good that you managed to get through this without starting the "blame game" which could cost you something much more valuable than cash. Hang in there!

[GregfromGa]

This truly sounds like a horrible experience! There's not much else I can say, really, except that its good that you managed to get through this without starting the "blame game" which could cost you something much more valuable than cash. Hang in there!

Well my friend you are exactly right. I guess there will always be numbness when we thinks about this. There are certainly lots of lessons to be learned as well. Slow down being the 2nd one and not carrying cash being a far distant #1. You always hear of things like this happening and you think it cannot and will not happen to you.

[Stirlitz]

we managed to lose my wife's purse containing my mother-in-laws life savings of 6K.

My condolences.

I have a hard time trying to comprehend why on earth people would carry valuables in a purse. So many people here have lost important documents and money because of the stupid purses. I understand that women need a purse. But why men. It is a funny fashion for men here to carry purses. They so often end up being left in the back seat of the car… and stolen. A common trick is to flat your back tire and while you are changing it your purse disappears from the car. A purse is something which is so easy to drop, leave on a bench, have snatched out or cut into (in public transportation, another common method of thieves). While what you have in your inside pockets is always with you unless you undress, and easier to watch. If it is hot for a jacket with internal pockets, use a belt wallet or have pants with big pockets…

[kievstar]

Carrying $6,000 is fairly normal in Kiev or leaving the airport. 

In the future you can go to credit suisse bank in Kiev and wire transfer the money.  Fee is less than 4% and your dealing with a Swiss bank not a Ukraine bank. 

[Muj]

Greg,

Sorry for your misfortune.  A non metal moneybelt may keep ur cash and id. close always.