Lucie's New Towels
As
a registered nurse, Lucie's income enabled her to enjoy the nice things
of life. Until she was struck down with a debilitating disease, she had
her sheets lightly starched and pressed by a commercial laundry. She also
enjoyed the touch of thick brand name towels.
Such niceties are out of her reach now. During the past five years Lucie has survived, just barely, on an income of less than $600 per month. Her Social Security check is a scant 17 percent of what she used to earn. Needless to say, her budget has no room for non-essentials. She had to sell her car and most of her antique furnishings that had meant so much to her.
Recently my wife, Margaret, and I took Lucie to lunch, and to a movie at the Penn Square Mall.
Afterwards we shopped. Someone had given her a cash gift for her birthday. She wanted to purchase some nice thick towels. After the purchase, as we walked from the Penny's store with package in hand, Lucie's countenance beamed. After some small talk she said, "You know, it really feels good to be able to buy these towels."
When you are accustomed to having discretionary money each month, it stretches your imagination to see what Lucie's life is like. If someone gave her an extra $10 or $20 it would be like $100 -- or $500 to someone else.
It's easy to make someone happy. Be aware of a relative, a friend, or even a stranger who is living on a meager fixed income.
Lucie passed away June 29, 1997.
