I can't find my deleted items

Not crazy and yes that would work.

The problem is the user expressly states " But even though I KNOW I have deleted things when I click on the trash can " .

Which implies the User ( you ) knew there was something in the Trash and went ahead and Emptied the Trash with that foreknowledge

Yes of course.

As long as the Item(s) are still in the Trash - they can be retrieved and put back to original location.

But, once the Item is in Trash, and then Trash is emptied - it is done.

A Time Machine Backup  is very useful

Susan Richardson wrote:

Usually, when I click on the trash can it shows everything I have deleted. But even though I KNOW I have deleted things when I click on the trash can there is nothing there.

" I KNOW I have deleted " so what does that mean to the user ?

Emptying the Trash and Knowing you emptied the Trash seems self evident - The Trash is done.

You are welcome and thank you too.

Do come back to the Apple Support Communities ( ASC )  in the future, if / or when additional questions may arise

Maybe because you emptied the trash bin.

Why do you expect to find items you deleted?

Some items may not be moved to the trash when deleted. They just immediately delete.

Restore the items in question from your backup.

A momentary Brain f**t does occur here too sadly :-(