Re: ...When it hits you...
Well, I was never responsible for more than just my own stuff.. Allah ka shukar hai i've not lost anything serious (cell fone, ipod, wallet, money etc). And my point was that since there was very important stuff in there, someone had to keep an eye on the bag no matter what. Also, teh carrying my zevar in my handbag on the plane.... it just reminded me of all the times I traveled with my mom, and she kept EVERYTHING with her, our passports, the sohna, etc. So yeah....
But erm, shock i'd say there was no shock/dismay/"rude awakening" Alhumdulillah :)