I Wrote a Check for $10,000

Yesterday I wrote a check for $10,000 and dated it 5/20/2008. That's less than two months away. It will stay in my checkbook until then.

My heart almost leaped out of my chest as I wrote that check. It wasn't fear racing through me though, it was excitement. Odd that I should be excited -and not fearful- about writing a huge check for an amount that is not currently in my accounts. Yes, that's right, I don't have all that money right now and I'm not sure where it will come from. I just know I'm ready to jump.

This check is for my favorite charity- a place I have worked with and supported for about ten years. Ten years, ten thousand, it just seemed appropriate.

Many years ago, right after I got married, my husband told me about a cousin who was having some medical problems. This cousin was a young guy who didn't have insurance when he had to go in for treatment and now had some hefty medical bills. I had an intense urge to give him all the money we had just received as wedding gifts to help him wipe out those bills. But I never said anything. My husband and I were pretty broke at the time- right out of college- with college loans, tiny paychecks, no furniture, and a car that was dying. I took the practical route and used the money to live on.

I think about that time often. I don't have strong regrets but I do wonder what would have happened if we'd given the money away instead of using it. I think it would have felt really good.

Really good. Like the feeling I had last night when I wrote my check. This time I'm giving it away for sure. Just waiting for the rest of the money to arrive...!

I will keep you posted.