lemondrop

When D. asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I told him nothing. We are poor. Do not waste money on me and my birthday.

He would not stand for it.

So, I asked for a $20 contribution towards my Kenya trip fund. That’s reasonable, and something I’d really appreciate.

When he pulled a $5 bill out of his front left pocket and threw it at me, I was thrilled. $5! Then he pulled out another. And another. And soon we were at $20. $20! But then he kept pulling these five dollar bills out of his pocket -one by one, like the supply was endless - and as each one landed next to me, my jaw dropped a little closer to the ground.

Here I had this wonderful, smiling boy being far, far too generous. Just thinking about it, about him, makes my heart feel all fluttery.

I am a goal-setter. If something gets stuck in my brain, god knows I’m going to get it. I obsess. I plan. I work for it. This trip is one of those goals.

Finding someone who understands that, and supports that - that is the best birthday gift I could’ve asked for.