photo by my Chandra
Do I want to win the Lottery? Do I want to be rich? Absolutely not! I know better. I don’t buy lottery tickets, but I thought about it today when I got a free cup of coffee at my favorite cafe. I got a real kick out of that. It was fun.
In my late 20s, I did some bookkeeping for
The days before she had money were her happiest
an extremely wealthy woman in her Beverly Hills penthouse. One Saturday she asked what my plans were for the next day. I told her we were planning a picnic at a local park with friends. (We couldn’t afford a lunch out.)
She told me how much she envied me, that the days before she had so much money were the happiest in her life. She felt she had no real friends anymore, that people invited her to events not because they liked or wanted to be with her, but because of her money. I’ve never forgotten that….
Young John Paul Getty III was kidnapped
Then, when my own children were still young, the 16-year old grandson of the J. Paul Getty family, John Paul Getty III, was kidnapped. The family, reputed to be the richest in the world at the time, was sent one of his ears, cut off by the kidnappers to prove they actually had him. I cringed at the thought and said a prayer for the teenager, but also thanked my lucky stars we weren’t rich.
No one would want to kidnap my precious ones
No one would want to kidnap one of my precious ones.
John Paul Getty III did survive, but lived a tortured life until his early death at 54. His money didn’t bring him happiness or satisfaction. In reading about very wealthy children, how many do you know about who were truly happy?
I guess I have no class.
As for me, I guess I have no class. I’m uncomfortable with people fawning over me. I’m not used to it and it makes me squirm. If you suggested I buy a $3,000 dress, I couldn’t. I’d think of what charities I could give some of that money to and how much it could help those who truly need.
My children have had to work for what they want. There were times I would have liked to help, but couldn’t. I know they’ve struggled sometimes, but they are probably better off for it. We can appreciate what we have more when we accomplish it ourselves. I hope they agree….
View from Over the Hill 
I think I would be okay with being rich, though it certainly does have its downsides. The main reason I would love to be rich is that I could do a lot of good with my money. For me, it would probably be mostly given to help animals. I’ve always dreamed of having a huge ranch where I could take in all kinds of animals that no one wanted — old ones, sick ones, etc. Olivia Newton John used to do this (don’t know if she still does…) and I greatly admired her for it. I would also love to be able to help my family and friends if they needed anything – that would be great! As for spending it on myself, I don’t think I would go insane, but I would have a lot of land with a nice house and great horse set up. I love my current home and feel extremely blessed to have it and our ten acres, but would I take ten thousand acres? SURE!
Hi Susan: You already are helping needy animals and that is great. But I’m afraid there would always be more animals needing help than any one person could provide. Meanwhile enjoy each day. Love, Maughm
I agree.
I’m not sure if a person can remain grounded when they’re rich. Also, having loads of money becomes a source of worries.
Absolutely Neil. I too envy no one.