“The Money Jar”
“Journey to the Dark Side”
This Addiction has been with me for almost Seventy years. How is that possible? I’m not sure, possibly a “Mother of all Character Flaws”. I can however pinpoint its’ beginning within a year or two. So perhaps this sad sad confession should begin the day I first thought of crossing over to the “Dark Side”
“The Beginning”
I’m napping on my Mothers bed when I woke up and saw her putting some dimes and nickels into a jar and hiding the jar on the top shelf of her closet. She never suspected a potential thief was watching. But wait before continuing let me paint a vignette of the life a certain blond hair, sweeter than sweet handsome third grade (getting thick isn’t it) young boy. Our home in the West Philadelphia neighborhood I often refer to as the Ghetto, (a misunderstood word meaning an overcrowded neighborhood of similar ethic peoples), was in walking distance to a large…….Oh forget it, I think I skip this and continue on with my (juicily sinful) confession.
“The Scene of the Crime“
On the next street over from our home, a row home to be actuate, was a Grocery store called Epstein’s. In our neighborhood the end home of the row of homes usually housed stores that serviced the area. Grocery stores, Fish Mongers, Barbers, Plumbers, you name it and the house at end of the row housed it. For those historically minded, this is where the term Mom and Pop shop originated. Back to Epstein’s. Old man Epstein, a widower, had this grocery store where Mom purchased most of our daily fare. When ever I was in possession of some money I also would go to Epstein’s to obtain an substance that would give my brain a high unlike anything I had previously experienced.
“Addiction”
These highs soon became an addiction which was increasing faster than my ability to obtain funding. Is the picture coming into focus? Connecting the dots? Substance Dealer, Limited income, Money jar in the closet. Yes this Saintly old man,( okay, skip the Saintly part), embarked at the age of seven into the criminal world of thievery. With the aid of a chair and a box the solution to my money problems, the Money jar, came in reach of my greedy little mitts. Being careful, so I thought, to only take what was needed for my daily habit I would march into Epstein’s and slap the money down on the counter and ask for it. He obliged and it wasn’t long before I was under his complete control. I’m sure murder would now not be out of bounds for me.
“A Serious Set Back”
Fast forward two weeks. I’m in the back seat of Grandpa’s car. Mother is driving and Grandma is next to her when the topic of my brother became the concern. My brother was a bit of trouble to Mother and she was telling Grandma that he was now stealing coins from her Money Jar. At this point I stopped listening and started to think of my Habit with its’ addiction that was now at serious levels. All I had heard was this: “The Bank is Closed“ resulting in the fact that I had lost my stash.
“Withdrawal Symptoms”
The next day found me, you guessed it, in Epstien’s nervous, fidgety, and almost incoherent. Old man Epstein taking notice said “Nelson”have you come for it.” Putting the despair of my predicament aside I came right out and said, “Mr Epstien, I need it but I don’t have any money” “Ah, don’t worry Nelson”, he said, “take it and I’ll just add it to your Mother’s bill”.
Score, Hallelujah, Praise the LORD.
I had just entered into the promise land of unlimited access to the source of my addiction.
We all can agree can’t we that little boys have an “I need it now brain” and seldom think that the consequences of their actions will ever come back to bite them. And of course that day did come when the Grocery bill was delivered to Mother. However the bill had no listing of my substance abusing purchases.
“Double Hallelujahs and Double Praises to the LORD”
A short term scare quickly passes and I’m back in business and back at Epstein’s getting my daily fix. A year later we moved out of the Neighborhood leaving Epstein’s to history. It wasn’t until I was grown and on my own when at a family gathering with my brothers and sister, all who are all almost a decade older than me, started talking about the old Neighborhood and old man Epstein. I then learned from them that Mr. Epstein had a crush on Mother and because he had this crush her children got special favors from him.
“Ain’t Love Wonderful”
It wasn’t long after that I felt the need to confess and take responsibility for my actions concerning the “Money Jar“. The opportunity came one day when out alone with Mom to bring up the “Money Jar” and my complicity in taking money from it. She just smiled and said “I know. I knew that you would stop the day I told your Grandmother in the car”. Mother was always smarter me.
“Oh, Those Sweet Little Things”
I guess you might be wondering just what was my Addiction. Remember in the beginning I started to mention a place that was in walking distance to our neighborhood but stopped. It was the TastyKake factory where they made the “Butter Scotch Krimpets and Lemon TastyKake pies” I so craved. The stolen seven cents I would pay old man Epstein for them today will cost one Dollar. And yes I still have “My Addiction” however with one important difference.
“I now have my own “Money Jar“
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Nelson,
Never could really fool them, could we!
I love your stories! I can just see that little boy going after the stash to purchase his sweets. Funny how Moms seem to have that second sense or eyes in the back of their heads when it comes to us kids.
I told my kids growing up that if I hadn’t done it, one of my brothers or sisters had, so don’t think you’ll get away with anything. It worked…for awhile anyway…I think
Thanks for making me smile!
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..It’s All About The Story
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washouse Reply:
June 13th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Yea Val, there is nothing new under the sun. We all think we are original in life, when in fact we are so much alike that it is scary. Thanks for of course being the first to post comments. You are the BEST.
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Nelson,
You crack me up! I could picture this happening. We to had a little store that we frequent on the way to school. I was about the same age when introduced to a similar addiction. “Bottle Caps Candy”
Bill
Bill Hartman´s last [type] ..Until you know the Why
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washouse Reply:
June 13th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Kinda fun thinking about our youth isn’t it Bill. Bottle Caps Candy, that I’ve not heard of. But I’m sure they were delicious.
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Hey Nelson,
What a wonderful story, you had me gripped to the end. I am so glad you learnt the lesson of saving for the things we are addicted in the form of your own money jar.
I look forward to the next story from you,
Beth
Beth Hewitt´s last [type] ..What has the Universe done for you today?
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 6:42 am
I suppose Beth if it wasn’t a strong Mother I might be replying to your comment from a “Sing Sing” look alike place. Thanks for your visit and don’t be afraid to come back.
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Nelson
You tell the best stories, you know how to drag it out just enough to get the intrigue going and get the reader addicted. Please tell me you have been writing childrens books for years or using your talent some where to make yourself millions.
Belinda
belinda cunningham´s last [type] ..Reward your readers with Commentluv
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Sorry to say Belinda I only started writing this past year. Could consider it however. What would be a good “Pen Name”? How does “Olive Beaupre Miller” sound to you? Has a catchy ring to it. Thanks for your most gracious comments Belinda. Please do come back.
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Nelson~
What a story teller you are! I picture you telling stories to your children and grandchildren! I bet everyone loves to hear just like we love to read! Thank you for sharing!!
~Linda
Linda G. Cox´s last [type] ..Shakira ~ Chosen for South African World Cup Anthem
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Linda I could only wish I had those opportunities. I do love a good yarn though and I surly appreciate those like you who encourage me.
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I started my day today with a nice cup of English breakfast tea and read your story .. bliss! Just down the road from where I live in England, there’s an old fashioned sweet shop that I take my sons to .. you can have a look at photos of the shop here http://www.toot-sweets.co.uk – I’m sure my boys will have similar stories to yours when they are grown up, I just hope I get credited with the same type of wisdom as your Mother!
There’s something wonderful about reminiscing and shops that aren’t full of modern paraphenalia!
Thank you, Nelson.
Joanna
Joanna Sayers´s last [type] ..Pace Your Race
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 6:57 am
Ah English Breakfast Tea! A favorite of mine for many years. The pictures of the “Sweet Shop” are just super. Afraid to show them to the wife. She want to visit you and all the cool stuff UK has to offer. Please don’t hesitate to stop by any time Joanna.
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Hi Mr. Nelson Schroeder! I am officially a new fan! I love your writing style, as I’m sure most people who bump into you do. It’s so “I’m reading a best-selling novel” style reading, I was reading easily and waiting impatiently for the next word to be delivered into my mental home.
Thank you for the life you bring into this word by adding your seasoning to our daily soup!
Chris White´s last [type] ..Quick Start: The Money is in The List Part 2
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Whoa Chris, your not to bad a “Word Smith” yourself. “…..adding seasoning to our daily soup” Very good phase that I might in the future steal. I didn’t say that did I? Thanks Chris for your very very gracious comments
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Thank you Nelson for such a wonderful story. I bet most of us have something along those lines as we were a child. I love your sense of humor. Brilliant I look forward to reading and sharing more of your stories. Have a wonderful Monday.
Julie Elliott´s last [type] ..Weight Loss Journey week 2
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Julie, your too kind. I pray anything I am able to put into words will always benefit the reader. I appreciate you and the thoughtfulness of your words.
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Oh wow! What a delightful story Nelson ~ one that I really enjoyed reading! I could not wait to get to the end when you finally describes what your “addiction” was…lol! Always fun to read your stories
Christine
Christine Casey´s last [type] ..How to Make Social Media Work for You
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Christine, I glad I was able to keep you to the end. Thank you for stopping in and commenting so graciously.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Prisoner Exchange”
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You kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to read what your addiction was! Lemon Tasty cakes! Mine was Twinkies!! LOL! Love your story telling..
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Oh yes Lesly the joy of your first love with the sweets. Life is fun to look back on those days. Thanks for commenting and please do come back.
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Enjoyed the story till the end! And yes, we guys tend to have the “I want it now addiction”. For me, it happens every time Titleist comes out with a new driver!
We can all have our own “money jars”! We can have anything we want when we set our mind to it!
Eddie Espiritu´s last [type] ..Network Marketing Success – The Power of C + I + F
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washouse Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Good Spirit there Eddie. Yes if we can believe it we can achieve it. Thanks for your comments and your support.
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How in the world did she know? I know my Mom knew nothing of all the things I did. Your Mom was just very sly. Too funny. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..Personal Branding and a Burning Hot Keyboard!
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Thanks Nicole for visiting me. You may be surprised just what your Mother does know. Of course there are always some things we do that do not involved others and the knowing of them does have its’ limitations.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Prisoner Exchange”
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HAha – Tastykakes! You had me worried there for a minute Nelson!! Another great story! You should honestly think about publishing some of these stories:)
Glyna Humm´s last [type] ..A Game Changer For Your Home Business!
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:35 am
Yea my sins have found me out. Good to see your presence here Glyna. Not sure about publishing. That is another level of writing.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Money Jar”
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Funny story and I love the way you write. It reminds me of the movie “The Christmas Story”. He’s telling his story very similar to yours. Thanks for the post it made be laugh, it’s a beautiful thing.
Michael
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:33 am
Michael, never thought of that connection. The Christmas Story is a strong favorite of mine. Thanks for your comments, you’re most kind.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Money Jar”
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Neslon,
That was truly a joy to read (and it did bring back a reminder, but I’ll have to try to write as well as you always do to disclose it later)! I can really see your old neighborhood and you visiting Mr. Epstein’s store. I loved your Mom’s strategy to squash your activities without calling you out. What a great Mom! Thanks for sharing this story.
What’s coming next, Nelson? I can’t wait!!
Dawn and (Dave)
Dave and Dawn Cook´s last [type] ..Are You A Social Media Prostitute?
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:31 am
Thanks “O Great Ones” for stopping by. I always feel honored when you leave your very kind comment. Thanks.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Money Jar”
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I love your stories Nelson! I had a money jar that supported an addiction of mine – video games! I would take from the jar in order to go to the arcade.
Kevin M.´s last [type] ..2 truths we need to remember when we are hurting
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:28 am
Oh Preacher, you sinful creature you. LOL We didn’t have video games but Pin Ball machines, that’s another whole story in itself. Hey so glad you stopped in and thanks for the “lift up”.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Money Jar”
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[...] on June 17, 2010 by cobbinaloic “The Money Jar†http://dirtnaponhold.com/the-money-jar/ This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. ← [...]
It is important to have your own money jar, you will not have to steal from any other person. You have the power to get whatever you want with your own money jar, without any restrictions. I like that.
Loic´s last [type] ..Is Your dog scratching very often? Find Out If it’s a Case of Dog Skin Allergies
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:25 am
Thank you for your visit and especially for the back link. Glad you like the money jar.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Money Jar”
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Great story Nelson. Even reminded me of things I used to do when I was a kid. I think it might be time to confess it now…
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Edward´s last [type] ..The DREAM Project Update – Week 2
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 18th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I don’t do confessions Ed. You have to go to Kevins Blog and confess there. http://kevinmartineau.blogspot.com/ Thanks for you support and comments. I feel honored to have you visit.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Money Jar”
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That was just too cute! You’ve got a wonderful storytelling ability and I could completely see you trying to get your “fix”.
I really enjoyed that and I look forward to coming back for more!
Angel
Angel Taylor´s last [type] ..Internet Marketing Coaches, Trainers, and Gurus Oh My!
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washouse Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:11 am
You are an “Angel” Angel for posting this gracious comment. It is much appreciated and please do stop by often. The Coffee is always on for you.
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Nice story. I think most of us have had some sort of similar experience. Stories like these inspire us to go back and think of some of the good times.
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washouse Reply:
June 20th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Yes Barry we all need to examine our past. It reveals how we got to where we are today. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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Another great story, Nelson – Yer just the best!! Thanks so much for sharing it in your wonderfully wise and witty way
–Lori
Lori Tisot´s last [type] ..Networked Blogs – Get More Free Exposure For Your Blog
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[...] and reveling in all sorts of deviant behavior. You may have already read my battle with “The Money Jar“ and my addiction to TastyKakes. This episode is the lead in to that sad period of my succumbing [...]
I love the stories, too. Keep them coming!
Nefarious NapStealers´s last [type] ..Funny NapStealer Facts
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Nelson Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Thank Nefarious for the “Nefarious Comment”
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