by Shannon Agresta

Created on: March 24, 2009

Well, it's not so much that I want to be the jerk who sides with those pocketing a dropped dollar, but, I've no doubts in my mind, that a dollar on the ground with noone bending over to claim it, is just as much mine as the next guys. I am a stay at home mom. Noone pays me for what I do, it is rewarding enough in itself, however, when I am craving a McChicken Sandwich one late night, that newly acquired dollar is my ticket to happiness. And, let me tell you, with no paycheck coming in, a dollar is on it's way to being a BIG deal!

It's not to say I would swoop below someone and snatch a dollar out from under them. And I do feel shame in admitting that the dollar I'd be holding on to may very well have come from the hands of another person in a position as mine. However, it's every man for himself most days; regardless of how many people would rather claim to be knit of the same thread. The work I put in to bending down to grab that well known green rectangle after running after my 20 month old, is work enough.

I won't suck up taxpayers money by feeding on welfare or WIC, because I am able bodied, just overwhelmed with motherhood, caught up in the moment and completely disinterested in a 9 to 5. However, I will pick a bill of any size off the ground at any place and claim it if there is not already a bidder.

If it was an important item to it's owner it would have been securely kept, leaving no room for the option of it becoming lost. I know I wouldn't leave a dime in a place where I'd risk losing it. Much as this may not justify my actions, I will not lie and make a story up about my good nature and generosity. I have a good heart and I have good intentions, but I also have an empty wallet and a long list of things I desire.

I really do sound pitiful, being blunt about my willingness to snatch up something that wasn't technically "earned" by me. Certainly no paycheck would have my name scribbled on it with a dollar's pay. But I've learned that the right thing is only as right as you tell yourself it is. My definition of "right" focuses on different matters, it focuses on a bigger picture. And whether that makes me "right" in the eyes of society or not will not hold enough importance to change my mind.

In closing, I'm not really a bad guy. Just as much as you're not really a neglectful twit if you aren't paying mind to a trail of money you are leaving behind you. However, you may find me walking behind you watching my feet. No different than Hansel and Gretel I suppose. What the the ground is lost and found if you ask me.

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