The Mightiest Quarter

Monetarily, a quarter is simply worth twenty-five of the most lowly of our coins, the simple penny. But when that equivalent is given to you by a five-year-old child, who needs Fort Knox to vouch for its value, Not Me! I'll take the backing of a pure heart any day.

         In preparation for the release of my book to Amazon, I gave a few copies to some people to read in advance so they could leave a review. (Sadly, few followed through on that) My daughter was one I took my book to. She has been a big supporter of my intention to make writing a much larger part of my life. Excited to show, and place in her hands, an actual copy (Bound and everything) of my years of work, I grandly presented Li'l Bits to her. My granddaughters, especially Avery, my five-year-old, seemed to get caught up in my excitement and anxiously watched as well. 

          With hand-model-like gestures, I highlighted the incredible cover which won a Silver Medal in the Quills Writer's Conference Palette Award competition for self-published works. I turned the book over to highlight the equally impressive back. I showed them how the text formatting of the interior font flowed seamlessly from the cover. I think I even highlighted the interior page with all the technical aspects like the book's weight, size, and all that, just to make the moment real. 

Holding, in your own two hands, the manifested version of years of work is the most incredible blessing. 

          My daughter, with equal energy and enthusiasm, received my book and announced that it was going on her bookshelf. With a flourish, she nestled the spine of Li'l Bits between The Chronicles of Narnia and The Swiss Family Robinson. It's strange to try and explain how... proud, that made me feel. To see the spine, with the name of 'My' book on a bookshelf in such illustrious company, was very emotional. It was like being able to move from the wrong side of the tracks into the most expensive neighborhood in town.  

          After that we all chatted. (My granddaughters, ages five and seven, absolutely LOVE being included by the adults.) 

          When it was time for me to go, I sat down on the front staircase to put my shoes on. Avery suddenly put her hand out and yelled, "Stop Grandma!" Practically climbing over me, Avery raced up the stairs. 

         One never knows what to expect from Avery so I froze, just as I was instructed to do. (She has me well trained)  

          She quickly returned, climbed back over me and stood holding her hand out. In her small palm was a quarter. I said, "What's this for?" And do you know what her answer was? She said, "Well, you need to get paid." I asked her what she was paying me for and she said, "For your book. Mom didn't pay you and you need to be paid."

          My- Heart- Melted!! 

          My beautiful, incredibly big-hearted granddaughter had seen VALUE in the importance of the book I brought over. And when neither my daughter or I had exchanged an outward token of that value, Avery set out to remedy the situation. From her own piggy bank, she took the funds to pay me. Momentarily stunned, I just sat and stared at the quarter she placed in my hand. It was the most beautiful quarter I had ever seen. Quick as a wink, I dragged her into an embrace and hugged her tight. I told her how grateful I was that she was so aware and willing to do something to fix what she saw as out of balance. 

          Who knows what beauty is going to be brought to this world as this incredible little girl grows to womanhood. 

          I do know that I am having that quarter framed.

          It will hang on my wall as a symbol of the unexpected rewards life is just waiting to bring into view. And to remind me that you never can tell in what delightful form those blessings will be delivered.