Connie's Corner

A what kind of tree?

“Remember grandmother's house and all the happy times there? Share a memory.” A mid-week prompt from the "Invalid Item" .

My grandma's birthday was almost here. She would be eighty years young on February 12th, and we had a big surprise planned. When Mother and my aunts and uncles were little, my grandma was always reminding them, "Money doesn't grow on trees, you know." This was her famous response to all their many wants for candy and toys and other non-essentials.

Aunt Sadie had the brilliant idea to give Grandma a "money tree" for her eightieth birthday. She and I scouted the wooded area in her backyard and found a dogwood for the perfect branch with lots of hanging spots. We trimmed off parts to shape it, ripped all the dead leaves off, and spray-painted it gold. Aunt Sadie had a pretty pot of sand to stick it in and anchor it securely. We added fake moss over the sand and decorated the pot with a gold tulle ribbon. Our tree was taking shape.

Then, we took a trip to the bank for fifty crisp new ones and the balance in fives and tens. Our fingers were sore as we accordian-pleated all the bills, tied them around the middle with green pipe cleaners, and fanned them out into lovely flowers to hang on the little branches. Grandma's tree was a beauty!

Our final touch was a "Happy Eightieth Birthday" card with a hand-written personal note that said, "Yes, Grandma, money really does grow on trees."

Grandma talked about that tree for weeks after the big event. Everyone who visited had to hear the story of her special money tree. I know that was her favorite birthday ever.

until next time...c