As a personal finance blogger, I tend to think about money a fair amount. It’s safe to say that those of us who write about money probably think about it more than the rest of the population would, on average.
Of course, sometimes we need to disengage from any and all thoughts about money, and simply enjoy certain aspect of our lives just for the sake of enjoyment itself. At times, it takes a certain event to get us thinking along those lines.
I got to thinking about one of those moments recently. The event occurred months ago at my daughter’s elementary school. Basically, they had a program in the classroom where one day a week – if there were volunteers – a parent would come in and read a story to the class. The parent would be there for maybe 20 to 30 minutes, then leave. The catch was that the kids didn’t know who would be coming in to read. This person would be referred to as the week’s “Mystery Reader”.
So, I signed up to do this, and took a half day off work to make it happen. It was important to me, and something that I felt would bring such a great surprise to my daughter while giving her memories of the day that Daddy showed up at school and read to the class. I know that if that had ever happened when I was a kid (it didn’t), I would never forget it.
Anyway, on my designated day, I showed up and checked in at the main office. I felt like a little kid at the principal’s office, because that’s basically where I was! Like going back in time, and the building is from that era as it is, so it felt like it. Anyway, once I signed in, I was sent down to the classroom.
I subsequently knocked on the door, at the time the teacher was expecting me. The teacher then told the class that the Mystery Reader had arrived, and that they had to cover their eyes (and maybe have heads down too). So, I walked in, and was directed by the teacher to the front of the class toward a chair, where I’d sit down and read a book that she gave me. Then, once I was situated, she told the kids that they could open their eyes.
The look on my daughter’s face was priceless. She seemed so surprised and so excited to see me there as the Mystery Reader!
When a kid’s parent is the Mystery Reader, they get to go to the front and sit next to the parent while he or she reads. So, with her next to me, I read the story to the class! They enjoyed it, so the teacher asked me if I’d read another short story and I did. Then, the class was allowed to raise their hands and ask questions. Three questions from the group were allowed, and my daughter was allowed to call on those who raised their hands. It was a fun experience, for myself and for her too!
And guess what? I spent no money on it whatsoever. Oh sure, I guess you could monetize that 1/2 day, but you know what I mean. There were no direct expenses on my part for that day at all. Zero. I just showed up and read to her class.
Even better: the amount of enjoyment she and I got from it was so worth it. A true memory was made, for parent and child. All for free.
Sometimes, the finer things in life are truly free! We just have to embrace those moments.
My Questions for You
Do you ever have instances that remind you about how some things are priceless and money can’t buy happiness?
Do you have any such memories from childhood?
The best things in life are free and you can’t put a price on a good memory!
MoneyCone – agreed, I wouldn’t trade my best memories for anything. Life is to enjoy.
As long as we ignore the fact that my dogs cost me money (so do kids, though), I think my best moments are just watching them be silly and goofy. Watching our Beagle puppy pull our Lab/Pit around in circles via his collar was just priceless.
shanendoah – yeah, sometimes we can ignore the costing money part.
Running is my “free fun” time. Nobody can reach me. I can listen to a podcast, music, or just the sound of the wind. No cost, just a pair of fairly fat legs. Although there are days it stinks, I usually get such a “runners high” that I can’t believe I don’t have to pay for it.
AverageJoe – That’s great, you’ve found something that brings you a lot of value and costs zero. Sometimes that alone time for running, yoga, or whatever suits each person – it’s so worth it.
Great story. This is a good example of how the best things in life are free.
Andy – yes, the best things are free. Yet, we often spend so much on things that aren’t as enjoyable. Interesting how many of us operate….
I love your narratives, Ray! This was a great, free, event for you, but probably even greater for your daughter. My guess is that she will still have warm fuzzies 20 years from now when she recalls the time you were her class Mystery Reader. And it still won’t be costing a penny!
Joe – thanks, I appreciate that comment! I do hope that the memory of that day lasts many years for she and I!
I used to eat lunch once a year with my child in elementary school. They always love it.
Maggie – that sort of thing is such a treat for kids.
That is so awesome Squirrelers! Priceless, priceless. I’m glad you were able to surprise her and read to her class. -Sydney
Sydney – it was priceless, and a cool life experience!
While I was home over Thanksgiving I tried on my mother’s wedding dress. It hasn’t held up well to time (it’s yellowed a lot and there are some mystery stains on it) and completely isn’t my style, but it fit perfectly. If I’d chosen to wear it, the only alteration it would have needed would have been to match the hem with whatever height heal I have. There was never any expectation that I would wear my mom’s wedding dress at my wedding, so both of my parents were just really happy that I’d wanted to try it on and that they got to see me in it. It was something that took absolutely no effort or money, but it was a really great moment of connection.
Penny – that’s a cool story. I can see how that would be a moment of connection as you say, and one which probably brought a lot of sentimental thoughts to both generations. Great example of how some great moments in life can be free, thanks for sharing!
Nice program on part of the school.
Coaching Number Two Son’s soccer team brought a good number of good memories, many caught on video and photos.
101C – those videos and photos will likely be priceless memories a few decades into the future. We simply can’t recreate events as life progresses to different stages, and those photos will be great memories I would think.
You definitely got a whole bunch of daughter points by doing that… it does seem like something you’ll both look back upon in 20 years!
PKamp3 – Never thought of it in terms of points, but you’re probably right:) And yes, my hope is that she and I will be able to look back on it in the future.
I’m sure your daughter felt important sitting in the front facing all her friends 🙂 I think its a very good concept. My daughter has Mystery Reader too, but not as often as they should be.
Tushar – I’m sure this sort of thing makes kids feel extra important at school, for that moment!
That sounds so sweet! I bet your daughter does remember that as a highlight of her childhood.
Some recent free things I’ve enjoyed are making homemade pita bread for last night’s dinner, hiking in Point Reyes National Seashore with a friend last week, and snuggling with my guy a few nights ago. I’d rather repeat any of those experiences than go to a mall.
Just to nitpick, if you had money problems and weren’t able to provide for your family then you probably wouldn’t have the same opportunities to enjoy these good memories, so the best things in life can’t be bought with money, but you still need some money to have the chance to enjoy them. 😉
It’s cool to see you’re taking an active part in your children’s lives. They will definitely remember and appreciate you for it later on!
Oh, I do agree with you on the need for money. I wouldn’t be blogging about it if I didn’t see it that way too! That said, after basic needs are met – sometimes we don’t need to spend inordinate amounts of money for happiness. Often, the best moments are free.
What an awesome post and the sentiment is something I try and pass on to others all the time. I can think of many afternoons hanging out in the park with friends, long walks, listening to music on the radio and a million other little things in life that cost little or nothing.
Thanks Forest, the best things can really cost very little as we know!