Today, Tolstoy talks of Greed and Wealth in his “Wise Thoughts for the Day.” He says, “People who spend all their lives acquiring wealth will never be satisfied.” How apropos for today’s world and the current administration in power. I decline to talk detailed politics on my blog, but I will mention it now and then if it’s pertinent to my story. Today, it’s on my mind after reading the morning newspapers and columnists.
For me, money has been important because my passion for horses is expensive. I’ve worked hard my entire life—from my first jobs of de-tassling corn in sixth-grade and making pizzas at Jerry’s Subs and Pizzas during high school—to help pay for my riding lessons and showing. And, I will admit, over time I’ve come to realize you truly get what you pay for. There are exceptions, of course. But even my father, who was notorious for his frugality, knew when to spend more money now for a greater return later. He drove Japaneses imports before they were common and didn’t hesitate to blow the budget on season tickets to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. (Note, I used the true title of the institution.)
Over the years, I have splurged on special occasions and for good reasons. There are times and places when a special memory or experience deserves to be recognized and commemorated. I wrote an article once about a woman who swam with wild dolphins. Her story touched my heart, and I even wrote a follow-up piece as she continued to meet them to swim while battling cancer. Sadly, she lost the fight and passed away a few years later. Last fall, I ran into her widow while at a horse show, and while we caught up he noticed a bracelet I was wearing and asked if I might like to buy her collection of Hermes bracelets for a fair price.
I really didn’t need to spend money on jewelry at that moment, but without hesitating I said yes. It wasn’t because I wanted to impress anyone by wearing designer jewelry. I was touched and honored that he thought enough of me to ask.
Tolstoy says, “You must remember that life is a lesson. This lesson is about how to nourish your soul.” I now proudly wear her bracelets and think of the two of them each time I slide one on my wrist. They are beautiful, but more importantly, thanks to the wonderful memories I have of her, my soul is happier.