Todays Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

[Guest guest]

Untitled Document

The Nickel Story

By Hana Haatainen Caye

" Hey, Red, you owe me a nickel! "

had bumped while he was playing pinball in the bar where she

waitressed. A red light flashed TILT and the game was over. Reaching into

her apron pocket, pulled out a nickel and flicked it to him, then went

back to her work.

" I'm going to marry her someday, " told the bartender confidently.

" Sure you are! " he laughed. " She's been here a long time, and I've never

known her to even go out on a date. Good luck! " rubbed the nickel

between his fingers, knowing it was his lucky charm.

had made a life for herself as a young widow and a single mother. The

last thing she was thinking of was complicating her life with a new man.

But 's lucky charm worked - knocked his socks off and stole

's heart on their first date. Soon he had not only won her heart, but

her daughter's heart as well.

There were many hard times after their wedding. was a military man

who was shipped overseas, leaving in the single-mother role once

again. Another daughter kept her busy, and both daughters adored their

daddy. The years passed by quickly.

loved to tell the nickel story to anyone who would listen. His eyes

sparkled as he spoke of his love for . This was a man who truly loved

his wife.

Their fiftieth wedding anniversary was a special day. contacted me to

do a floral arrangement for the church and a corsage for his bride. They

renewed their vows on that Sunday morning following the worship service.

Our band surprised them as they walked down the aisle by singing " their "

song, " The Sunny Side of the Street. " Their walk became a dance as

twirled down the aisle. What a celebration! It was a joy to be in

their presence.

Soon after this wonderful day, got sick. He offered everyone a smile

and continued to glow with his love of . was never one to

complain. Having a strong faith, knew he would be with the Lord soon.

After a few long months of suffering, he died.

All the seats at the funeral home were taken as we gathered to honor the

memory of this dear friend. We were all inspired by him in our own ways.

The minister spoke of with such love and respect. We laughed, and our

hearts were warmed as he shared memories of this special man. And then he

told the nickel story. He said that had called him a week or so

before he died and asked to see him. While they visited, took out his

lucky charm. He had held on to that nickel for all of these years.

" told me to keep this for him, " the minister said as he reached into

his pocket and walked over to . " He wanted me to give it to you today

and to tell you to hold onto it. He'll be waiting for you at the pinball

machine. "