As much of a cheapskate as I am, it pains me to admit that I don't like the dollar store. It is filled with cheaply made plastic trinkets made in a third world country by children earning $1.24 a year. Not only that, every dollar dropped into that store is a dollar not saved for college.
Last night my 9 year old son asked me if I would take him to the dollar store. I asked him what he wanted to get. "Just stuff," he said. I restrained myself from giving him the lecture on savings, interest, and loans and gave a vague answer. He kept asking until he had a commitment that I'd take him. I have a hard time telling those big brown eyes no.
At 8:15, forty-five minutes before the store closes, I took my 9 year old son and 11 year old daughter to the House-0f-Crap (hence, making our house full of crap). As I stood alone, trying to look interested in a plastic cup holding springs with fake candy corn on the end I had an epiphany.
I remembered being 8 years old and Christmas shopping at a local dime store, carefully choosing a present for each member in my family. My sisters and brother were nearby and we were shielding our finds from one another so we could surprise each other on Christmas. That inconsequential event is etched in my memory as being an important moment in my life. I was content. I was happy. All was right in the world.
Were my children having a moment? Were they feeling content? Would they remember this when they were grown and had children of their own? My 9 year old boy bought safety glasses, a rope, and chocolate. My 11 year old girl bought a Halloween decoration, and a couple of toys. While getting in the van they both thanked me profusely for taking them. I then made them go get frozen yogurt and my son and I played checkers while we savored the treat. I kept reminding him to eat with his mouth closed.
Today my son reminded me about playing checkers yesterday. "That was fun," he said.
Inconsequential, inexpensive, and priceless memory.
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When was your moment as a child that all was right?
I just have to say, people often ask me what it's like living in China. I tell them, cram 5,000 people into a dollar store. That's about right.
ReplyDeleteI loved it as a kid when my dad took me to McDonald's.
When we went to Baskin Robbins after a school program.
ReplyDeleteMy fondest memories are of my entire family going camping. I remember it being such a relaxing, fun & exciting week that occured every summer.
ReplyDeleteWe stopped going on camping trips when I was about 14, maybe I'll start the tratidion up again :)
I totally remember buying penny candy from the local small town store.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather would give my brother and I a quarter to spend on penny candy after we dusted the furniture on Friday.
ReplyDeleteAnd twice a month, when we went "to town", he'd give us each a dollar, and reminded us not to spend it one place. We would go to G. C. Murphy's (5 & 10), and with our change, go to the grocery store to buy a snack.
Remember, this was when you could buy several things for a dollar.
I do the same thing! I take them just to give them the satisfaction of getting to buy something that didnt cost me a bunch of money (I say them but really its just the 7 year old right now).
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid I remember going to a local store where they still had some candy you could buy for a nickel, a dime, or a quarter. $5 in there was like Christmas!
It's the little, unplanned events they remember most-not those expensive vacations and trips to amusement parks that cause us to put a lien on our home. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd my fond memories of my childhood revolve around my backyard. It was a world unto itself.
This morning Bob asked for eggs for breakfast. I gave him cold pizza. I am hoping he will have memories of this being "awesome" (what he said) rather than "shiftless" (what it is).
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. Dollar stores are full of memories. They make children feel rich and like the world is full of possibility.
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