Is This Lottery Gift Pack I Forgot to Open the One in a Million?
I'm not sure it matters because to be honest, in life, I'm already a winner.
The other day when I was cleaning my desk, I found a gift packet of lottery tickets that remained unopened. It was a gift from my husband, Ed, given to me ages ago. As I fondled its crinkly packaging, a wave of excitement took hold. What if I’m rich and I don’t even know it? Then it hit me. I’m already rich. Why on earth do I need more?
I’m blessed with a beautiful place to live. I also have my husband, a close-knit family, and my health is stable. What more could I want? If I won the lottery, what do I need that only money could buy?
New shoes? Nope. A vacation? Nope again. I would love to win some cash for a greater sense of security. I am getting older, after all. Would a nest egg for my retirement be all that bad?
But who am I kidding? If I ever won a large jackpot, I’d want to share the prize with my children to help make their lives better. And I’d love to help other family members, too; the ones who have emotionally supported me in my life every step of the way.
Is there any amount of prize money that would ever be enough? Maybe not. After all, the jackpot on these tickets isn’t life-changing, but it would certainly help. Can you feel my anticipation mounting?
So, should I cash them in or leave them untouched? Now that I’ve found them, I could allow myself the thrill of the unknown—dream myself a winner—for a little while longer. That’s usually the drill. I buy the ticket, fantasize about prize-winning, feel the exhilaration, and then learn of my fate. Of course, I never win, but there’s always tomorrow.
This brings me back to the packet of tickets. Let’s look at this from a realistic perspective. It’s a gift that contains five games—Bingo, Crossword, Lucky Lines, Holiday Stacks, and Winter Mint. If memory serves me, none of these games will make me a millionaire, but a win could put a nice sum into my bank account. In addition, any of the grand prizes could add a little bonus for my children, allow me to donate to charity, and perhaps buy myself a new car.
Oh, the wonder of dreaming! It’s an act I often do. I imagine myself as a bestselling author, an exemplary grandmother, an optimistic role model for my children, and a much-cherished wife. None of these require winning loads of cash.
As I eye the red holiday gift pack before leaving for work, I think about the extended vacation I’d like to take to spend quality time with family and write to my heart’s content. But with an August 31, 2023, deadline on the tickets to cash in any winnings, I still have time before learning the outcome.
I think I’ll wait a little while longer. I still have more dreaming before checking the tickets and coming to terms with the likely reality the tickets are duds, and I’ll have to admit there’s always “a next time.”
If you’re looking for more reading, cuddle up with a cup of java and settle in to read more of my stories, including my newest six-word story.
From Parenthood to boredom, ferocity comes in many packages.
The man hid in the shadows hoping he’d get noticed.
Six-word photo challenge-flushing out the truth
Until we chat again, I’m sending only good thoughts.
Great newsletter Karen. I even read read it! All of it, and I'm way busy today. Thanks bunches.