M is for Money and Memories

     It is said that money isn’t everything.  I am not sure who shared that bit of wisdom, but in many senses they are right. It isn’t everything but it sure comes in handy.  It is a money hungry world we live in where everyone is out to get more and more money.  More money equals more stuff.   Money changes how people behave, but the bottom line is we are all essentially the same. We all have hearts that beat, we all are born, put our pants on the same way, and eventually we will all die.  Having money or not won’t change those facts of life.

    I never felt that I was deprived of much when I was growing up. My dad was an over the road truck driver and would be gone 2-6 weeks at a time, much like my husband is today.  If anything, I would have wanted more time with my Dad.  He retired early, and that is when I really felt that I became close to him.  The time I spent with both of my parents during their lifetimes was priceless.  I wouldn’t have traded that for all the money in the world.  I still have mementoes and pictures that I treasure, and things that help keep the memories alive in my heart.

  

        After my Dad’s death I got a crystal clear picture of what my sister valued most and it appalled me.  We were always polar opposites in everything.  Where all she ever cared about was money, all I cared about was the memories that were attached.  Over the years I have grown so used to not having money, that when I do have some I hardly know what to do with it.   I am usually afraid to spend it, especially on anything frivolous.  Every week I sit down on payday and figure out right down to the last cent where the money will be allocated.  Once the plan is set, I am relieved and happy to carry it out.  There is nothing better than being able to get everything I need for the week and pay some bills in the bargain.  Even if I don’t have a dollar left to my name, which I usually don’t, I am pleased as punch that I was able to stretch the money to cover everything I needed it to.

      I often wonder what the world would be like if there was no money.  If you needed to go to the doctor, you simply went instead of waiting until you had the co-pay in your pocket.  You didn’t sit and agonize over the bill that would surely follow.  There would be no worries for money for electricity to light up the night, or heat to keep a body warm.   If you needed more gas for your car, you simply filled it up and went on about your business.  If there was no money, greed and poverty would be eliminated.  We would all share and get along.  

       Some people believe if you have lots of money, you have it all. Without love and laughter, money really doesn’t mean a whole lot.   Very little in this life is free and most everything in life takes money to be able to enjoy.  If my life is rich with love, laughter, and priceless memories,   I won’t mind so much the lack of money until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.