a penny for MY thoughts

There is a fountain at our public library that the designer, in infinite wisdom, decided to surround with staggered cubes -- somewhat akin to climbing equipment one might find on a playground. Do you see where I'm going? In this summer alone two children, mercifully not mine, have taken the full-body plunge.

Greta and Graham love to climb up, lean over toward the depths, and plink their little pennies in after we check out. Greta always makes a wish. Much to her chagrin, her brother never does. Last time we were there, I had only one penny. It was a parenting crisis. Sophie's choice. Who was more likely to have a melt down. I acted quickly, but reasonably, I think. I gave Greta the penny to wish on. And, Graham threw it in. It sat well for a minute or two when Greta decided that maybe her wish will not come true if she did not throw it. Rather than assure her, and risk possible tears, I threw out, "Next time you can have TWO pennies to throw." (Ugh, I can just hear the pundits. "There she goes, classic liberal, throwing money at a problem to fix it.")

Today was that "next time." Of course, Graham, too, needed two pennies. So, now I'm out four cents. It's getting steep, but it's for my favorite public institution of all times . . . the library. (I use the same logic for the fines. ;))

This time, however, Greta, my darling little optimist, turned miserly. I think it was the thrill of two pennies to clink against each other. Rather than wish for toys, candy, or another penny, her top three most common wishes, she decided that she needed to put her pennies in her piggy bank. Now, on reflection, Greta's impulse was a smart impulse, perhaps one that I should have fostered. The pennies in her bank are far more likely to buy her a Barbie than her wish is, or her mother is. I should have affected my Benjamin Franklin voice, tousled her hair, and said, "A penny saved is a penny earned, Greta. You'll get rich that way, kid."

I have to admit that the current political climate affected my parenting. I don't want to foster miserly behavior. I want her to make wishes for her future! (I, too, roll my eyes at this.) I said, "Greta, wish for Barack Obama to become president."

Greta cocked her head and said, "Noooo." She was feeling me out to see if it was a joke.

"Please. It's very important to Mommy."

So, she did it. She wished into a penny for Barack Obama to become president (for me). I hope it works, but I'm not banking on that wish. I sent my pennies straight to the campaign.