Friday, October 1, 2010

You decide (4)

When I first began living by myself, as a student back in the 20th Century, my parents helped me to move into my place. As my parents were leaving, I noticed my father slip an envelop into my desk drawer, but was too busy saying my goodbyes to my mother to ask.

I didn't think it was money, since I had already gone through a series of big talks with my father (my parents more generally, but in general my father took the lead in these talks, interestingly even if the topic was domestic matters - something like cooking - in which he had little experience) on how to get by. I was half right, and half wrong.

It was indeed an envelop with "Emergency Cash" written on it, containing a hundred dollars. When I asked him about it over the phone a few days later, he said that I should hang on to it for one of those situations in which I lose my wallet and the bank doesn't open for another day.

The envelop remained unopened for 18 years, indeed until yesterday.

It's not that I had specifically avoided opening it, but I'm a pretty organize person. Thankfully, I've never had my wallet stolen (although someone did once pickpocket me for some poems, but that's another story). But yesterday I left my wallet at the office. I didn't feel like driving back, but I had a yearning for ice cream.

I thought about trying to offer them Euros from my leftover travel money or pooling together leftover change, but then I recalled that somewhere in my current apartment that envelop must still exist. It does. Orange-honey-ginger and rosemary ice cream never tasted as good.

Tonight I'll top up my emergency fund for whenever I need it next.

bb

15 comments:

Jude said...

Wow, how amazing it remained untouched all those years, and when you needed it, it went towards the most lovely sounding goodness :)

I loved what you said also about Mastroianni's voice - hit the nail on the head!

Joie de Viv said...

A very sweet story - and I'll admit - I probably wouldn't have had the willpower to hold out 18 yrs - or I would have lost the envelope by then. A sweet story I tihnk your dad would be proud that you waited so long!

xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot,com

stylenuggets said...

What a kind and thoughtful gesture. Quite typical of a caring father, no?

Anonymous said...

great story, loved it!
xox
Mia

RD said...

Jude - indeed, it was like a time capsule heading to an known future - thankfully a future where I opened it under pleasant cirmustances?

Vivian - actually my father had forgotten about it too!

MM - Indeed, typical of a considerate and organized father, and my father was both!

Mia - You've met the Aged P so you can imagine the story in aciton!

xo

bb

Claire said...

Did you tell him? I bet he would be happy to know that he bought you an ice cream 18 years ago the other day.

RD said...

I did -- and as you predicted he was pleased, as he had forgotten about the emergency cash. And the Aged P is always impressed when one of his children exhibits organizational skills. Being able to find the envelope 18 years later impressed even him! xo bb

Jude said...

P.S. Just wanted to pop back in and say no sweat about any award 'homework' :) (There aren't any rules in blogland anyway!) It was a fun way to let you know how much I've enjoyed your blog!

RD said...

Thanks Jude -- I've enjoyed getting to know your blog as well.. And I'm looking forward to penning my acceptance speech! xo bb

Mary R said...

What a lovely father! If it were me, I would have broken down and opened it much sooner!

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

So good that you didn't need it for so long and such a sweet gesture on your fathers part.

Style, She Wrote said...

Fage yogurt is the best!

RD said...

Mary R - I had sort of forgotten about it (in my active mind), but when wondering where I get could get cash it come to mind!

Ren - indeed, I've been lucky (touch wood)... After borrowing 20 from the fund, I promptly replaced it...

SSW - Fage is the tops! xo bb

shopgirl said...

This is just a sweet, sweet story. 18 years later?! I can't believe it. Aren't parents so wise sometimes?

I'm sure that ice-cream tasted absolutely delicious and you'll never about this moment in your life.

p.s. I'm sure I would have used it a lot sooner :-))). You have great patience my dear.

RD said...

shopgirl - indeed, parents are sometimes very wise! And I'm glad that the opening of the envelope was for such a happy and simple task, not a real emergency! xo bb

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