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Larry C
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0 posted 2003-04-20 12:54 PM



Assignments From My Daughter #7
By Larry Chadwick


L.L. Bean wasn’t really her style. But then again that hat. She had to have that hat. It would work so perfect with her classroom. So she sat down at her computer and proceeded to write a whole sequence of topic titles. Relying on her kindergarten experience she got her scissors out and separated each title into a single paper strip. When they were folded in half they went into her hat. And the hat went to her high school English classroom. It would do her juniors and seniors good to write impromptu papers on random topics.

Assignment #7 “Get Rich Quick”:

Grandpa was a gambler. And not a good one. He paid dearly for that fact and so did his family. By the time my dad had reached the seventh grade grandpa had proven that he could not provide for nine children. Dad was the second born and the oldest son so he quit school to go to work. It was the first time he knew what it was like to have socks and underwear. Grandpa wasn’t just a gambler he was a terrible gambler. As a result he was a failure as a father.

It always seemed to me that gamblers hoped to get rich quick. My dad ingrained in me that the idea of getting rich quick was a misguided concept. His childhood memories were all tainted by grandpa’s pursuit of instant wealth. He seldom saw his father and he never experienced physical affection. Grandpa was too preoccupied by gambling. It is no surprise that a failed gambler is a prime candidate for the abuse of alcohol. Grandpa was also an alcoholic.

At fifty-three I have now outlived my Grandpa. I have lasted long enough to understand what he never comprehended. It turns out that getting rich quick does not require the accumulation of any money. I remember so clearly the births of both my son and daughter. I have incredible wealth and Grandpa did too. A pity he was looking in the wrong place.


April 19, 2003



If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

[This message has been edited by Larry C (04-20-2003 02:45 AM).]

© Copyright 2003 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved
Janet Marie
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since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

1 posted 2003-04-21 09:39 AM


Lessons learned from those who went before us, instills wisdom's wealth...but one has to be wise enough to learn from anothers mistakes rather than making their own....As I have come to know you...I have come to realize you are a rich man
Larry C
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2 posted 2003-04-22 09:56 AM


Dearest JM,
To learn from those who have gone before. And I am making my own batch of mistakes for those who follow. And thank you for your thoughtfulness.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile
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since 2000-02-06
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singapore
3 posted 2003-05-07 12:26 PM


well, my government is continually in fear of its population being unable to replace itself and this would have been the prefect prose to persuade people to bear more children...

the slogan may be, for instance, "Get Rich Quick! Have Kids!"


Larry C
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4 posted 2003-05-08 12:28 PM


kaile,
Funny I thought the conception was reason enough! And thank you, always.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Dark Angel
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since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

5 posted 2004-05-20 07:16 AM


Oh I echo JM on this one.

Maree

The clouds never expect it when it rains, but the sea, changes colour, but the sea, does not change.
~Stevie Nicks~

Larry C
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6 posted 2004-05-20 08:37 PM


Maree,
Then in an odd way that makes me a teacher. All my mistakes from which others can learn! Thank you.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
7 posted 2004-10-03 11:43 AM


Larry,
   A heart felt write!  I can really identify with this because my son is always coming up with get rich quick plans--  Anywhere from selling my dryer lint for firewood starter to weeding my yard of sassafrass trees to make sassafrass tea for dinero!  He has only seen one aspect of the wealth my brother has.  I don't know how to stop his obsession!  Perhaps I'll print your prose and lay it on his bed!  
   Enjoyed very much.
          misc'a/Cathy
  

Larry C
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8 posted 2004-10-04 12:21 PM


Cathy,
What a creative thinker your son is. Good traits I would think for getting rich! But don't tell I said so. And thank you for pursuing these assignments so faithfully.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Hollow_Emptiness
Senior Member
since 2004-02-01
Posts 715
New Zealand
9 posted 2004-12-05 02:47 AM


Sweet write Larry, I love the prose you pen onto this forum, makes great reading and hope to hear much more as the time goes on.

Hollow.
Courtney.

I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad. The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had. - Gary Jules, Mad World.

Larry C
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10 posted 2005-02-22 11:30 AM


Courtney,
How did I miss this response? And the day after my birthday! Thank you for your kind words. I need to go find some of your writing. Peace and apologies.
:hgus:

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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