The Reward

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Give the world the best you have
and the best will come back to you.

~ Madeline Bridge

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I received my Christmas gift early this year.  A gift so precious and kind that it made me wonder, have I really been holding the award I've been chasing the entire time? 

Every student in daughter of the year #1's class got a dollar a few weeks ago.  The lesson was to talk about what you could buy with a dollar.  The students found that wasn't very much.  Then, they talked about what they could buy if the put all of their money together for a total of $21.00.  There was much more they could buy with that amount of money.  Then, their teacher explained to them they could buy a flock of chicks for a poor family with that money.  It was then discussed what these chicks could do for this family and that they could also have more chicks and give those away to another poor family.  It was the ultimate lesson in paying it forward. 

One night, daughter of the year #1 came home to tell me that the chicks were now going to cost $42.00!  She was disappointed they did not have enough money to buy the chicks.

"What are you saying you want to do?" I asked. 

"I don't know mom," she replied, "but I want to help." 

"Would you want to take some of your own money to school to help pay for the chicks?" I asked thinking there was NO WAY she would agree to this. 

The next morning, I found her in her room struggling to get the little plug out of her Winnie the Pooh bank.  I knew immediately what she was doing and I was so proud I thought I might cry.  I got down on my knees and helped her pull the money out.  I could tell she was nervous about giving her money away. 

"You sure you want to do this?" I asked. 

"Yep," she replied, "I just don't want to give away all my money."  Now that sounded a bit more like the girl I know! 

She finally settled on the money you see in her hands.  A total of $8.00.  I'll admit, I cried.  I cried knowing that she was making such a grown up, thoughtful decision that really had nothing to do with her.  It was precious, lovely and amazing. 

"I'm so proud of you," I said, brushing the way too long hair out of her eyes. "You are such a good daughter!"

What she said to me next, I will cherish forever.  Said in her own matter-of-fact way.  "I know you don't always think so, mom," she said with a grin on her face, "but, you're a pretty great mom." 


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