$20

It's my birthday this week and I got the best present in the mail. It's the same as the present I've received for several birthdays in the past. $20. Mom and Dad came up with this great idea when I was about 10 years old. Instead of staging a birthday party with friends over at the house, Mom and Dad took you out to eat where ever you wanted, and afterward they gave you $20 to spend. I can't really remember where I asked to go for dinner. Considering the options that existed in my mind at that age, I'm sure it was probably like the all-you-can-eat burritos at Garcia's, or a hamburger from Frontier Pies or something.  I wanted to go to the Layton Hills Mall to spend my money afterward. Mom and Dad had the patience to watch me potentially throw every penny they gifted me down the birthday drain. Well, in case they were wondering if I wasted it that night, the answer is no. I still remember what I bought. I made sure not to leave a dime unspent. I went home the new owner of a Top Gun soundtrack record album, a Houston Rockets mini basketball, and a Utah Jazz tie pin. I'm sure the Top Gun album was unloaded during a garage sale or something, but not after it was well played and all the songs memorized. The red and yellow basketball became so worn over time that you could no longer see the Rockets logo on it. The tie pin sits in a small bag I have with other tie pins. That bag resides in a box that I keep special things in along with my passport and expired ID's. I remembered that special thing when this check came in the mail today. To me it isn't just $20; it's a catalyst that recalls to mind some really wonderful memories. Memories that speak to the love Mom and Dad for all the kids as well as their creativity in communicating that love to us on our special day. Thanks Mom and Dad, you've made $20 a priceless gift.