The Gift of Money

I would be a contented philanthropist.  If only I had money.  I’ve discovered giving away money is one of the most gratifying experiences for me.  Definitely, I am not a person with money to arbitrarily give away.  Perhaps the largest sum I’ve handed to an unexpecting person was five-dollars.  

It was Christmas season, in fact Christmas evening three or four years ago.  I had spent the festive day with a family in South Jersey, and as planned, although a bit later than I had hoped to, I began the drive north to my home, all by myself.  It was cold, and very close to dark.  Snow and ice were banked on roadsides. Neither snow nor rain was falling but the dampness in the air promised fresh snow might be my companion before I completed the little more than 100-mile drive.

The night was quiet, very few cars on the local streets and highways.  It would be an uneventful trip.  I didn’t need gas, wasn’t in trouble, but I would top off my tank; a habit of mine before getting on the turnpike.  If I don’t, what would have been a nice drive is ruined because I fantasize about getting caught in unbelievable traffic congestion and running out of gas because of an idling engine. So, if at all possible I start with a full tank.  That night the nearby gas station was closed.  It was Christmas. Not worried I continued on to another station I preferred, anyway.  They pumped a favorite brand.

Some six or seven miles farther along, out on the highway was the station.  It looked deserted except the lights at the pumps told me it wasn’t.  I positioned my vehicle as required, gas tank driver’s side ready for the attendant.  There he was, late teens I would guess, if that old, coming from the building, pushing a cap onto his blond head, not rushing, meandering, shoulders sagging.  “Fill it up, please,” I said pleasantly, for sure, but not overly smiling.   I figured, pleasant was enough, after all he obviously didn’t appreciate having to work on Christmas.

Staying with the gas nozzle refueling, he didn’t offer conversation and neither did I.  “ Sixteen dollars,” he said having finished.   I gave him a ten, a five and a one.  “Thanks,” he mumbled.  Then I handed him a five-dollar bill. “Merry Christmas,” I said.  His look was shock, disbelief and gratitude. It was a look that made me think he wanted to buy something and all he needed was five dollars more and now he had it. 

“Thank you,” he said, looking directly at me, “Merry Christmas”.

His face that moment is one of my best random memories, my favorite gift that year. 

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