Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is
So Michael and I walk into a furniture store …
Wait, let me back up a little bit. Michael got a fat bonus from work, a really fat bonus. And we decided to spend part of it on a new bed for the boys. At the old house they each had a small bed of their own. But their room in this house is shaped different and fitting in 2 beds along with toys and a dresser doesn’t work. So we decided to go the bunk bed route.
So Michael and I walk into a furniture store. Several actually, for what felt like days and days. We walk into this last one and I’m ready to walk back out. Everything has deer or horses or elk on it. There’s a camo print recliner. There are deer heads hanging on the wall. It wasn’t a pretty sight. But they did have a bunk bed, solid wood, for a reasonable price. One that Evan loved. So we started talking, debating with each other how low we thought we could haggle and if we wanted to try just one more store.
And then, the guy earned my money.
He’s sitting on a bed frame waiting patiently for us to decide, chatting happily with the boys. And then he starts talking about his kids. Four kids, siblings, older, in the process of adoption. He’s telling me how they were in foster care for most of their lives, tossed around a lot, had more things happen in their lives than anyone should. They’re older, almost teens, coming at him with a host of issues most people will never understand. And he’s looking at my boys, smiling in a sad way, explaining how the solid oak bed frame is sturdier so it can’t be kicked apart.
And I’m thinking he probably knows that from experience. And my mind raced straight to Christine.
I gave Michael the look. He pulled out the checkbook.
With all the “save the babies, give them to adoptive families” we hear we forget about the older kids sitting in foster care for years. Sibling groups that no one wants. Kids with issues, baggage, maybe more than a few problems. The ones that get left behind for that fat little newborn.
This, this is the essence of voting with your dollars. I absolutely support a family willing to adopt and older sibling group with issues. And so I bought the bunk bed at his store. And made a mental note to buy from his store whenever we need other furniture. Even if it means decorating like we live in a hunting lodge.
I could learn to love an elk print couch.
Good stuff, Summer! Good stuff.
~Luke
Luke Holzmann´s last blog ..In Loving Memory…
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Absolutely awesome post. Seriously. Oh, and that camo recliner? Our school’s silent auction had one donated, and we got $320 for it! LOL!
Sara´s last blog ..One Down, One to Go
Awesome post! Sounds like you made a great buy from a great man.
Nancy´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Ian!
Sometimes spending money can be really painful. It’s nice when you can spend it somewhere that you feel you’re really making a difference. I love this.
MommyGeekology´s last blog ..Women are Contrary Little Buggers
Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is…
With all the “save the babies, give them to adoptive families” we hear we forget about the older kids sitting in foster care for years. Sibling groups that no one wants. Kids with issues, baggage, maybe more than a few problems. The ones that get left …
Great stuff
People like that guy, they’re my hero.
Jupiter´s last blog ..Trying to get my mansions green, After I’ve Grey Gardens seen
Great post! It is so important to take the extra time and ensure our money is going to a company that will use its profits to support causes we would support as well. Keep up the good work!
Oh, you made me cry… and yeah, guys like that are my heroes too.
Debra´s last blog ..Everything You Ever Wanted to Know
What a lovely post. I bet that bunkbed gives you a warm feeling every time you tuck your own boys into it!
Jessica (@It’s my life…)´s last blog ..Sharing my book. Baring my soul.
TOTALLY worth it, even if it makes your boys get a hankering for chewin’ tobacco.