IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS…by Mark Hay

IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS…
A song came out several years back that told what a guy would do if he had a million dollars. It was done with humor, and often stated that he would be rich. I don’t have a million dollars, in fact I would be embarrassed to tell you what I’ve got in the bank. I may resemble Jed Clampett a bit, but the banker doesn’t run and meet me at the door. What I do have is a lot of million dollar experiences, and I have those every time a family comes through the doors of Sammy’s Window.

A case in point was a family that came through yesterday. A family with 5 foster kids ranging from toddlers to teenager. I love looking at faces when they come through our doors. Little kids look bewildered. Middle aged kids start to smile, they see potential. Teens, well teens just look like teens always look, like they are to cool to care. Parents always look like they feel this is going to cost them some way.

I always explain that I give them a new canvas bag, and whatever they put in it is theirs, no charge. All I ask is that they take only what they need, and leave the rest for others and that they clear what they take with their parents.

One young boy yesterday kept following me around asking questions. Are you sure this doesn’t cost money? Do you do this for the whole world? Why do you do this for foster kids? Once he saw that we were doing this because, just like his foster parents, because we cared about him, he relaxed and picked out some stuff he really thought was cool.

One little girl, after picking out her clothes, asked me about a big overstuffed white teddy bear that has been a focal point on our counter for a while. She said that if she had it, she would hug it all the time and sleep with it. I bet she tucked it in bed last night.

The teen aged girl found lots of cool clothes, including a top that came from from one of our regular workers. She thought the girl would like it, and even though it wasn’t part of our stock, she ran out and got it and gave it to her. What does that teach a kid?

The mom started thanking me, and I stopped her and thanked her. She and her husband are changing the lives of 5 kids, I’m just giving away what people give me.

In all, with workers and family, there were 9 of us in the store. We truly shared a moment in time when all is right with the world. We all learned a little about one another. By the time they left, the kids were asking if they could come back and bring things that they have outgrown that could be given to other kids. Those are million dollar moments, when people start to look beyond themselves to see where they might be able to bless others.

I don’t have a million dollars….but I’m rich!

PS. We are in bad need of tooth paste, shampoo and underwear. Don’t want to kill the spirit of the note, but these are 3 basics along with diapers that we never have enough of.

Thanks to all of you!
Mark Hay/Sammy’s Window

Note from George: Sammy’s Window is a not-for-profit organization, whose special purpose is to help foster children enter the foster system with some sense of dignity, and assist foster parents with the transition. Mark the founder and director is also a member of Friends of the Garden and a FOG volunteer. Sammy’s Window does have a group Facebook page HERE.

For more information on how you can help, contact:
Mark Hay, Director
T: 417.849.7941
E: haym97@yahoo.com
A: 3757 N. Glenstone (call before dropping by)