2 American dollars. Doesn't buy what it used too, does it?
Used to get a burger, fries and a drink for that. Do you remember when it was the norm to pull up to the pump and get a dollars worth of regular. Hey the guy would even wash your windows and check the tires for that, one American dollar.
Times and values have changed since I was a kid. Yep, a buck don't get you much these days, or does it?
Sunny and much warmer here in the mid west, this last weekend. It was a great time to get out of the house and do something. So I did. I went to a 'Sports Show.' A huge and varied inventory was there for us to peruse and, they hoped, purchase. They weren't disappointed. As I made my way from one display to another, I came upon a guy that would sharpen your knife. I have never been gifted at this process up to and exceeding the point of not being able to sharpen anything that would cut tomato soup. So this was a perfect stop for me.
I pulled out my much less than lethal blade and handed it to the man seated behind his bench. By the inch was how it was priced, and I quickly ciphered that my job would run $3.00. While watching him at work I noticed that he was seated and was wearing one of those little oxygen tubes. His appearance was a bit disheveled and he was not a picture of health, yet here he was, doing what he could, to earn a living.
With the job soon finished he handed my perfectly sharpened possession, to me.
"That will be 3 dollars." he said. My third grade teacher was correct, I would use math class one day.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a five, handed it to him and told him "Thanks so much." turning to walk away.
"Don't you want your change?"
"No, that's for you."
"God bless you." he replied.
As I walked away I heard him telling the guy behind me that I had tipped him 2 dollars on a 3 dollar job. "Imagine, a guy doing that!" he said.
'Imagine that.' I thought the same thing. Imagine having someone ask the Almighty to bless you, for two American dollars. I'd say that's about the best value going, and all for 2 bucks.
Monday, January 13, 2014
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BEAUTIFUL Story! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alana… Wonderful story! Your writing always inspires me Marc, and I have a feeling your actions continually inspire many of those around you. Your humor, insight and cowboy values are priceless. Now be careful with that freshly honed soup slicer of yours!
ReplyDeleteLovely story! How wonderful that you're writing all this down for others to enjoy and learn from. I just picked this entry by chance and it made me want to read more of your work. Thank you for sharing!
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