A case of mistaken identity

I am not someone who can keep to any particular regime – eg, exercise or diet – but if I go swimming or do anything which raises my stubbornly low heart rate, I feel very virtuous. However, my trip to the swimming pool tonight meant I missed a very curious happening at home. When I walked back in the house, Husband handed me a slip of paper which was from Surrey Police. While I was out, he was visited by a policeman who asked if “Sarah Jane Powell” lived here and when Husband answered to the affirmative, he asked to come in. He was delivering some sad news. He said a relative of mine had passed away in Mexico and I was listed as the next of kin. On the slip of paper was the name of the FCO agent dealing with the case and two phone numbers for me to call. 

I know I am getting old and forgetful. Some of you will know that I have part of my genetic family that is quite misty. But I definitely don’t know anyone who lives/lived in Mexico and the name given to me was nowhere to be found in my memory banks. 

I had to find out. I had to know who this was and how I was related to them. So I called the FCO and was put through to the agent on duty. He was very charming (I always thought I would like to work at the FCO – seemed quite glamourous and lots of travel) and after I explained why I was phoning his first comment was that he was sorry for my loss. I told him I didn’t have any memory of the deceased and while it could be a distant relative, I was a little puzzled. With a few clicks and a couple of questions, he explained that two people who were listed as relatives of the deceased person had listed Sarah Jane as the next of kin, the wife of Henry Powell. It was at this point I realised this was definitely a case of mistaken identity. 

Despite two marriages, I have remained Sarah Jane Powell my whole life. Changing my name never seemed like a very good idea.  It has caused a lot of complications. Bell was given two surnames, Bert was given about 6 names but only one surname which wasn’t my surname. So whenever we went on holiday we appeared to be three unrelated people, and when a fourth and separate name also entered the hat, it was difficult for the airlines and hotels to cope.  I did set up one savings account in a married name but I had to keep producing my marriage certificate whenever I wanted to use it. Parents’ evenings were interesting – particularly when the teachers didn’t even seem to know which child was which, and I got used to answering to any Mrs xxxx that was directed at me.  

There have also been a few scary scrapes including a day trip to China on a train from Kowloon with my brother, leaving Bell with her dad although she was listed on my passport. Leaving was fine but coming back into Hong Kong on my own confused the border control. They kept asking where my daughter was – I couldn’t really understand why they thought I would leave my daughter behind in China – but an hour or so later, I was allowed through, and met by Bell and her dad. 

So, the kind man from the FCO apologised for the mistake. I had to reveal I have googled my name before and I believe there are quite a few of SJPs out there. He said they would go back to the drawing board.