As I was tucking my 3 year old son into bed, he asked me "Where's Daddy?" for the third time that day. My husband works at the north slope (the kids call it North Pole) and he's usually gone for two weeks at a time and then he's home for two entire weeks. It's nice because when he's home, he's really home. He can sleep in late and really spend quality time with the children. However, I know that for a young one, such as my three year old son, it can be confusing sometimes.
When he asked me, "Where's Daddy?" I replied by explaining to him that his daddy was working because everyone works. I continued telling him that if people don't work, they don't have anywhere to live and nothing to eat. I think I may have given him more information than he really needed for his small little mind because he JUMPED out of bed really fast. I was so confused. Then he ran back in the room and with a big smile, said, "mommy, I have money, do you want it." Then he opened up his right hand and in it were two shiny quarters. He was so proud that he had money, and to him two quarters was quite a lot, and he was willing to give everything he had to me. Children have such sweet hearts.
This made me think. As grown-ups (in age at least), do we know when we have enough? Is there ever enough?
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Vanna: It may either be strange, or just the wisdom of the universe that you are writing this post today. I have recently have decided that I DO have enough... and have made some strategic decisions with that in mind.
It is surely for each one of us to decide if and/or when we "have enough"... or if they ever will. Your son seems very wise for being so young. Give him a hug... and thanks for a cute story.
Vanna, children have such wonderful minds. My 11 year old still has a lot of sweet innocence which I hope he retains as he gets older and doesn't become jaded by society. Tonight we watched a program on tv called "Off the Grid" that is filmed not far from where I grew up in Northern Ontario near North Bay. This family is roughing it as they move to a near wilderness location and prepare to become environmentally friendly and live totally off the grid. My other half, asked if we could move to a 150 acre farm in the country and do that. It's interesting to think about having enough and being self sufficient.
Hi Karen,
HOw wonderful to feel satisfied and know when enough is enough! I have struggled with this and I know I have to set goals and stick to those. I got into real estate saying if I made a X dollars a month, I would be content. I've surpasssed that and I keep feeling like I should be making more."enough" is relative to who the subject is.
Hi June,
I know what you mean. Most parents fear their children reaching that age when they are cynical and question all of our best intentions. Cherish the moments now and now is the time to instill your unconditional love in your child.
Money is one thing but the family memories at this age are more valuable than any money. Cute story.
He's adorable! What a lovely gesture. My three year old has Daffy Duck syndrome. He's always beating his chest declaring that everything is mine, mine, mine, mine, MIIIIINNNNE! (LOL) We are working on the Minion Blur, but I gotta tell you the kid is a real trip. ;-)
Of course money is never enough. . .unfortunately. . . the more you have the more you want. . it's reality.
I this day and age we buy too much junk that we don't really need. But I think this recession is teaching some people not to do it.
I do know when to say its enough but unfortunately with one in college and 3 too go that bar keeps getting raised all the time.
Hi Terry,
FAmily memories are definitely something to cherish. Memoreis outlast things....
C-Tann,
All kids go through the "Mine" stage. I think grown-ups still have a hard time letting go of some things, such as power and control. Hence, the financial break down and political corruption.
Fernando,
That's probably very true. However, there are some people that are very satisfied even though they don't make much $$$$.
Russ,
Amen! AMerica has become such a materialistic and consumer driven society. Why are the celebetries getting free goodies when they are rich! It's because the makers of those over priced bags, purses, clothes know that people will run out to buy things because they see it on the stars... HOw sad.
Laura,
I think the bar is ever fluctuating because of different situations that come up in life. I know that if I had one kid in college and three close to it, I would be a nervous wreck. They are so cute at this age. =)
There are only really three needs in life, food, shelter, and health. Everything else is just gravy. The current economy I hope will teach people that God is the only true provider.
Brian,
That's true. Church attendance all over the USA has gone up since the economy has slowed down.
Vanna - OMG! What a great story. What's that saying, "from the mouths of babes". Odd how a story about a three-year asking him mama if fifty cents is enough got me thinking of my own situation. Like many others, this economy has forced me to get by on less and guess what, I've learned a lot from the experience.
Donne, this economy has affected many, many families. A lot of people have realized that being frugal and living on less can be done and that the good times (free credit) may never come back.