My Cousin Mike

He was 14 when he began working at the neighborhood grocery store.  Excited that he would be making money, he swept the floors and shelved the cans with a joyful spirit.  At the end of his first week, of being a part-time employee, he was given $25, and told, "Nice job this week, Mike!" Thrilled with his first earnings, he ran all the way home. 

The story turns a little sour when his mom tells him to turn the money over to her.  She explains, that since he is now old enough and responsible enough (words he, himself, had used to persuade his parents) to work outside the home, he should participate in covering a small part of the living expenses and the running of the household.

"Huh?!" Mike was confused and not happy with this arrangement. Earlier, succumbing to his persistent pleading, his parents had given him permission to take the job, and now, his mom was asking for HIS money?

This was money he had worked so hard to make!  Naturally, she advised him, she did not want all of it. She wanted $20. He could keep $5. He argued until he was red in the face, and fell disappointed on his pillow that night; possibly crying. He wanted to buy a few items from the Triangle Store, but the $5 would not even buy him a paper bag!, he thought. He placed the lone Lincoln in one of his textbooks and fell asleep. 

This pattern of helping out with the household expenses continued for all his teenage years. Mike soon began working at Bohack's Supermarket. (for all you Brooklynites: it was on 3rd Avenue at 74th Street) He was now making more money and his mom wanted a bigger cut.  Reluctantly, he would give her half of his part-time paycheck. She explained that he was eating more food, and that his father and she could not keep up with his growing appetite. Years passed. Mike grew into a responsible, loving son who studied hard and worked diligently.

Mike was not a spender..a habit that may have had origins in his not having enough money 'to buy a paper bag.' His Lincolns accrued, over the years, and he always had enough money to buy himself the things he wanted and needed.

He no longer thought about the money he was now paying his parents.. so that he could still live at home; he looked at it as 'rent money.' Afterall, he was eating, sleeping and his clothes were always washed, and his shirts were always pressed.  He was happy that he was able to help out monetarily. As a young man, of 25, he knew he had it made. He was beginning to taste success.  And then, along came Barbara. 

One day, Mike announced to his parents that he had decided to ask Barbara to marry him.  He had a good job in a firm and was sure to move up the corporate ladder soon.  His parents were delighted by the news and knew that this was the time. 

 One night, as Mike and his parents sat around the dining room table, talking about diamond engagement rings, and the cost, his mother excused herself, and left the room.  She returned carrying a small, dark blue, leather portfolio. She sat down and said, "I didn't know when this day would come, but I believe it's today. It's right now." She slowly slid the small wallet towards Mike.  He had no idea what she was talking about ,nor for that matter..what the wallet held. He opened it and saw an old, worn out passbook from the Bay Ridge Savings Bank. He looked at his mom with questioning eyes, almost afraid to open it.

He turned to the first page, first line..it was stamped..January 23, 1964..deposit $20. January 30, 1964..deposit $20..February 6, 1964..deposit $20....and the weekly stamp and deposit amount were repeated throughout the length of each page. The passbook was his. All the money he had worked so hard for, and had given his mom, was never spent, but instead was saved for him.. for over TEN years!! 

This is a TRUE story..a tribute to LOVE.Parents, often teach their children life lessons by their actions, not only by their words.                                                 

Peace!