Be on the Lookout for a Very Expensive Diaper Bag

Murphy's Law: 1

Wyandotte Patch Freelancer: 0

You've grown to know freelance columnist for his witty about being a stay-at-home dad.

He's helped brighten some not-so-sunny days with his humor and no-holds-barred storytelling. Now he needs your help.

Today, he lost his diaper bag. Not just any diaper bag. The one that contained the very expensive camera he uses to snap the photos that are used to create the colorful images that accompany his column.

Read his first-person account below and then be on the lookout to help his not-so-good day turn into one that proves Wyandotte is a community filled with kind, trusting people.

Use the "Email the author" link above to let us know if you've seen or have the bag. And, there's a reward–a big ole (slightly less expensive) bag full of Patch swag and a follow-up story to let everyone know of your good deed.

And now, here's Matt:

When I was a kid, my dad told me there were two things in life. “Aww crap,” and “'attaboys.” He said that unfortunately it takes a lot more “'attaboys” to get rid of an “aww crap.” I learned that lesson today.

Ellie and I were down at enjoying ourselves on a playdate after our last baby swim class. The heat had subsided, a cool breeze was in the air, and we were both free from the scheduling of swim class. It was a great afternoon.

But soon Ellie was getting tired and hungry. As we were walking toward the car, she was starting to show that she was not only tired and hungry, but also cranky. I don’t remember exactly what happened, just that after some kicking and screaming I was able to get her in the car and back home.

Feeding her lunch and putting her down for a nap went off without a hitch. It wasn’t until she woke up from her nap and I was looking for her water bottle did it hit me.

“Aww crap!” My diaper bag was nowhere to be found in the house. And then my mind flashed to the last place I remembered seeing it. On the sidewalk by the park, in front of my truck. You’re probably thinking, it’s just a diaper bag, right? Well my expensive SLR Canon camera happened to be inside. 

Hours had passed since I had seen it last. We immediately got in the truck and retraced our steps. I checked at the , I checked at the concession stand at the park, I even went to the . We had no luck. “Aww crap.” 

I didn’t pay for the camera. It was a gift from my dad. A very nice gift. I know it’s just a camera, but hearing the disappointment in my dad’s voice when I told him I had left in on the sidewalk. “Aww crap.”

I could really use an “'attaboy” right now.

If anyone picked up an olive-green Domke camera/diaper bag today with a camera in it, a toddler’s water bottle and a bunch of other baby creams and wipes, I know who’s looking for it.

Me.