The Thrill of Browsing
Breaking All The Rules
When I was young
I remember my mom and I going to all different stores
It was understood
Wherever we went
I could look but not touch
She didn't drive
So her sister would pick us up
If I was good
Sometimes we ate lunch at McDonalds
It never dawned on me
I was the youngest and not in school yet
So she had no choice but to bring me along
It didn't matter why
I just loved going to so many different stores
There were stores that aren't around today
Bradlees and Zayre which later became Ames
It was so much fun
So even fifty years later
I still get a thrill
Now I can pick up things and hold them in my hand
Just to put them back and say
It is really nice
A little expensive
I will wait and maybe it will go on sale
I will check on it again next time
Usually when time passes
So does the thought of buying
I even forget what I was looking at
At the time
It is the only thing on my mind
My mother would always look for a good deal
I never knew
My mother didn't have a lot of money
She didn't have a credit card to use
So she couldn't spend money she didn't have
That didn't stop her
From window shopping and dreaming
Those were great memories
I will never forget
A wonderful thank you to my Aunt Gerry
Who had a car and could drive
My mother and her were very close
My mother loved all her family
She showed that every chance she got
We also went food shopping
My mother and I would cut out coupons and try to save money
The more money saved
The more things we could buy
She would let us buy one sugar cereal for a treat
I got to pick out a package of cookies
Sometimes even what flavor ice cream
For the most part we ate healthy
Not too much room for junk food
I never remember wasting food
What we bought we had to eat
If we had leftovers
We would have them later in the week
We made sure we didn't waste food
We never had a lot
What we got
We sure did appreciate
Now my wife and I shop together
I try to do my best
To follow what my mother taught me
Lots of people aren't as blessed
They might not have any choice
So we count our blessings
Make due with what you have
You will make it
No matter what happens
Things could suddenly change
Where you might have to decide to eat or to go without
© 2022 DREAM ON