Payback  

Give Back Book

I went to the quarter and started writing. 

"What are you doing Mom?"

"I am starting a new journal"

"On what?"

"Well, you have shared so much with me I want to make sure I someday return the favor."

"I don't get it"

"Ok, like this quarter on the floor.  It is so funny.  So clever! I want to make sure I glue a quarter to your floor one day when you have a house of your own.  And remember that time you drew the picture on the living room wall with Sharpies?  I want to share the beauty of that with you one day and try to recreate the same picture on your living room wall.  Now I am not sure I can do as good of a job as you did but I promise I will try and isn't that what is really important, that I try!  Oh I will never forget the time you were fighting with your brother and you guys spilled a strawberry shake all over the back floor of the car.  My car smelled of spoiled milk from that day until the day I turned it in.  Especially on hot day when it was out in the sun.  I really want to make sure I return all your kindness so I am writing it down so I'll never forget and repay you one day." 

My 10 year old stood there on the verge of tears.  He was shocked.  In his minds eye he saw his home being destroyed one day.  His mind racing back to all that had laid waste in these last ten years.  It was overwhelming.  He could hardly breath.  My 12 year old, the quarter gluer, had to sit down or else he might have fell down. 

That was two weeks ago and I am happy to report that nothing strange, which is in of itself strange, has happened at my house.