They said, “No, your glove is fine.” I knew my parents were wrong. I needed a new baseball glove if I was going to be a world famous second baseman and play in the World Series – I had to have the right equipment. Everyone knows that!
I fumed over it for a few days and then on March 24, 1952 I walked eight blocks down West Markum Street in Little Rock to the A&W Root Beer stand owned by my baseball coach to ask for a job.
“I have gone to Weber’s, will be back soon. I am going to get a job,” the note on the kitchen table said.
If they wouldn’t pay for it, I would.
Mr. Weber paid me 20 cents an hour and I saved up for weeks for that glove. I worked at the root beer stand after school and weekends. I washed dishes, filled orders, and everything else.
I don’t remember the cost of the glove – maybe my parents chipped in some after seeing my determination. The one thing for sure … that glove made me a better second baseman. I think (hope).
You want something bad enough, get a job and pay for it. Period.
The note made a big impression on my mother because she dated it and saved it in a trunk with my other “only child” keepsakes. “10 years and 9 months,” she proudly wrote.
Years later, my wife framed the note. It is on a shelf in our study. The grandchildren often look at the note today and wonder how I did that and how my mother allowed it. Times were different in 1952.
It is not all that easy today. Kids can’t just walk eight blocks and ask for a job. Also, costs are different and wages are different. Life is not simple anymore.
Choices Do Matter.
I made the right choice back then and it shaped who I am today.
My parents favored self-reliance – no helicopter moms in the 1950’s.
Did you make choices at an early age that shaped your character? Were they for the good or some not so good?
As always, the conversation starts here.
The satisfaction of earning something on your own to pay for something you really want can be sweet at any age. Because I had a father on permanent disability and living in a household where money was very tight I knew I was on my own to buy first car. I had to save up for it after my first real job after high school. Getting a college degree nights would come later. But the sense of pride buying a decent used car and paying the insurance with my own money was huge!
Ken, That IS HUGE. Thanks for sharing it. I bet you also took very good care of that first car. The things we want/need and then find ways to accomplish make lasting memories. Earning your college degree at night was equally huge, I’m sure. Choices Do Matter and I’m sure you have many stories to share as we go along. More soon…
Love this one, Bruce. In addition to early jobs (my brother was a paperboy – not sure girls could be??), I remember the days of allowances. I begged my folks for a clothing allowance, which meant I would purchase all my clothes ($35 a month in early ’60s). That first coat — pretty ugly off some sale rack, but boy did I love it! Like a job, it helped me learn responsibility. I’m so glad you mentioned how hard it is today to “make ends meet”…as we all know, many adults work two jobs just to pay the bills. For… Read more »
Barbara, I hope you still have the coat – it may be back in style! Yes, I have come to see the value in anything earned vs. handed out. Also, as I mention in other spots on the blog, ‘luck’ can be everything – your parents, your race, even your sex are all factors beyond our control. Still, within our boundaries, Choices Do Matter.
Thanks for your comment and we will talk more soon.
Wow. The work ethic of our youth has really changed! My son,Thompson, works after school 10-15 hours a week at Dilworth Packing. He has learned more about himself and gained more confidence than one can imagine. He has also learned the art of handling tough situations after an event occurred where he lost his temper with a customer and did not use the respect that I have taught him. Thompson’s wise boss ordered him to write the offended customer a note, to write me a note, and to clean the bathroom. Oh yes, and his pay was docked for that… Read more »
Lori, Thanks for the comment and the wonderful family story. I am sure you have saved Thompson’s note – it will be a great reminder of this lesson later in life. Choices Do Matter and I see many great choices in your story.
–Bruce
Bruce! I love, love, love this! I would love to see that photo too. Your parents were like my parents-especially my Dad! “Don’t take a lazy boy load” he would always say to us girls. Tired of raking leaves and babysitting, I started my first biz at 13. Meanwhile, husband was in CLT selling Fuller brush. Sisters started a little biz called “Kitchenettes” to help people with parties. So now I tell kids, you want something? Work for it or start a biz! It is the USA! Lemonade stands, raking leaves, babysitting, dog walking, cat feeding, bracelets, bows, whatever it… Read more »
Amy, thanks for your comments. Yes, I worry that we short change our children when we are so ‘accommodating’ to their wishes – the latest iPhone – sneakers – outfit. My parents were right, my ball glove was good enough – but as I wanted a new one, I could get a job to pay for it. You may enjoy the ‘Keeping the Books at a Lemonade Stand’ story also. BTW: what was your biz at 13?