The love of money...

A couple years ago, I was THE model aunt. And Favorite to many, I might add! (or at least hope...) I sent a check for a certain dollar amount to each nephew and niece on their birthday. I've got 42... I got signed up on Blue Mountain.com to send me reminders two weeks in advance of each person's birthday.

Pretty sweet....

So I was on TOP of the game! Along came Facebook and the economy. I started cheaping out... For the older kids, I wished them Happy Birthday online instead of with a card and check or gift. Usually sent along a video of my husband playing Happy Birthday on bagpipes.

Well... let me tell you a story about when the "top of my game" made me humble...

For one of my sister's families I kept sending gifts to the kids mainly because my sis and I are pretty close and we're godparents to at least one of her kids. But two years ago, one of her boys was turning 5. I sent a check instead of a gift. I figured he was learning the value of money and would like that. I was wrong.

Shortly after his birthday, his baby sister was born. We drove there (3 hours away) to see them and hold my new niece. As I relaxed in their recliner holding the precious babe in my arms, I noticed Josh, hiding behind a door. Peering at me through the crack. He looked so sad. I called for him to come out.

Josh then

He did and came over to the chair and I asked him what was wrong. He said quietly, with a catch in his throat, "You forgot my birthday..." I gave him a hug and said, "But I sent you a card with money in it. Did you get it?"

Josh pulled the money out of his pocket and showed it to me. "Yes, But you always send me a toy..." *choke choke*

"What did you want for your birthday, honey?" I asked him.

"A toy fire truck that makes noise." sob.

"Ok. You be watching the mail. "

I ordered one online and had them ship directly to him. A few days later I get a call from my sister. "You already sent him money! Why on earth did you send him a fire truck?"

I told her and I really felt for the little guy...

She told me that he is a con man and did this to his grandma and grandpa this year too...

hmm..

He's good. He's VERY good.Josh now.