Life Should be This Simple
I was in the front yard when I heard a familiar voice, “Hey, Ralph, you going to be home for a couple of minutes?” I looked up and saw my nine-year-old friend Geno. “Sure. C’mon over,” I yelled back.
Geno ran into his house and within seconds was back outside with a handful of papers. When he got to our house, our little chat went like this.
Geno: Hi Ralph, I’m doing another fundraiser for school.
With that statement, Geno gave me the catalog. A few years back Geno and I agreed neither one of us like long-winded sale pitches.
Ralph (looking through the catalog): So, Geno, do you get anything for doing this?
Geno: Well, if I sell fourteen things I can get what I real want.
Ralph: What do you really want?
Geno: The magic pen.
Ralph: How many things have you sold?
Geno (after counting the items on his sales sheet): So far, I've sold eleven.
Ralph: So what is a magic pen?
With great enthusiasm, Geno started telling me about the magic pen and all it could do. I bet you didn’t know it can write secret messages and everything. I’ll admit it – when he got done explaining the magic pen I wanted one too.
Over the years, these fundraisers have supplied me with “much needed” items for the kitchen and my van. I took the order sheet and wrote down the items I wanted.
Geno: Ralph! You ordered three items!
Ralph: Yeah, so?
Geno: That’s all I needed to get the magic pen!
Ralph: You are kidding! That’s amazing! I want to see that magic pen when you get it.
Geno left excited by the fact he was going to get his magic pen. I went back to what I was doing knowing that another tire gauge, a new set of barbecue basting brushes, and something else (I really don’t remember what) were wise purchases.
Yeah, more things in life should be this simple.
Geno ran into his house and within seconds was back outside with a handful of papers. When he got to our house, our little chat went like this.
Geno: Hi Ralph, I’m doing another fundraiser for school.
With that statement, Geno gave me the catalog. A few years back Geno and I agreed neither one of us like long-winded sale pitches.
Ralph (looking through the catalog): So, Geno, do you get anything for doing this?
Geno: Well, if I sell fourteen things I can get what I real want.
Ralph: What do you really want?
Geno: The magic pen.
Ralph: How many things have you sold?
Geno (after counting the items on his sales sheet): So far, I've sold eleven.
Ralph: So what is a magic pen?
With great enthusiasm, Geno started telling me about the magic pen and all it could do. I bet you didn’t know it can write secret messages and everything. I’ll admit it – when he got done explaining the magic pen I wanted one too.
Over the years, these fundraisers have supplied me with “much needed” items for the kitchen and my van. I took the order sheet and wrote down the items I wanted.
Geno: Ralph! You ordered three items!
Ralph: Yeah, so?
Geno: That’s all I needed to get the magic pen!
Ralph: You are kidding! That’s amazing! I want to see that magic pen when you get it.
Geno left excited by the fact he was going to get his magic pen. I went back to what I was doing knowing that another tire gauge, a new set of barbecue basting brushes, and something else (I really don’t remember what) were wise purchases.
Yeah, more things in life should be this simple.
posted by Ralph at 6:35 AM
13 Comments:
ralph i so agree with you. i so wish that the simplness of life as a child stayed with us as adults. that was too sweet of you to order 3 for your buddy. you made his day and i am sure he will show it to you as soon as he gets it.
Really sweet. My kids keep bringing home those catalogs from school but I can't afford to buy a $12 kitchen timer right now ;)
(I was sent here by Nora at Chez Pez).
Sweet, and simple. Yes. This made me smile. :0)
I think most, if not all schools hold a fundraiser this time of year. We're doing one too. The top seller will win a portable DVD player. I know my kid won't win it, but it was a big hit for the kids to know they've got a GOOD prize coming.
At least Gino knew what he would get for it. The last time I got hit up by my nieces they didn't know what the fundraiser was for, or what they would win.
Colton would like a bit of your time as well. How about some very tough microwave popcorn?
I can't wait to here more about the Magic Pen !
In a few years he'll forget all about the magic pen, but he'll always remember the man next door.
A real friend...and a real man.
Yes, we must have at least a picture of the magic pen - no secret messages though lest the code be broken! :)
Very cool - I loved people like you when I was in school - I once got an amazing purple walkie-talking set. It was the BEST THING EVER!!!
Won't it be something is his magic pen writes as well as your magic computer keyboard!
You are precious. This little guy will never forget you. We need more people in the world with your heart Ralph!
Ah yes, to be a child again in a simpler world. Only if it had caring neighbors like you.
You are a softie Ralph!! I want to know about the magic pen too!!
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