When I was little, finding an unexpected coin on the ground brought unexpected joy. I remember going on a walk with my grandparents and finding a coin on their quiet cul-de-sac road. Our joy must have brought my grandparents joy as well because pretty soon, coins were falling from the sky. My sister and I scrambled to gather the coins and eventual dollar bills. I can still remember the way my grandfather’s pockets jingled with the coins he carried and my grandmother’s small coin purse that she would empty into her hand when shopping-always giving exact change.
Today, as I pumped gas and worried about the building traffic on the highway I could see up ahead, a lone penny caught my eye.
My Grandma and Pop are still tossing me coins.
Where There Is Joy 
I love the way you keep these memories alive.
LikeLike
The past meets the present with the sight of a lone penny. Love these memories that you hold and share.
LikeLike
I love how the bright coins tie all these memories together. We’ve been going through my father’s coin collection lately and know there are so many stories we don’t know about some of the coins. There is an envelope marked “illegible” and my husband had, fortunately, asked my Dad about them. Apparently, they were coins that recent immigrants gave to my grandfather on his childhood paper route. They couldn’t be used as money even then (too worn), but he collected them and saved them. I wonder about the stories each of them held before he received them. Thanks for a post that sparked a lot of thoughts this morning!
LikeLike
I love how you crafted this slice. When I was little….hooked me in. Then all the details about your grandparents, including the look of the change purse and how she paid with exact change. I novel detail, especially today when I rarely have real money as I just pull out my card and tap. Then ending, implying a bit tired after work, having to fight the traffic once the tank is refilled. Seeing that penny, (so glad you added the photo!) I imagined gave you such joy. Thanks for sharing this glimpse, all recalled by seeing that penny!
LikeLike
Aw, that was just beautiful! The gift of a new perspective.
LikeLike
Jessica, this is such a lovely memory. I’m tucking this in the back of my mind so I can “toss coins” for my grandson when he’s a little older and can find them on walks. Such simple joys are needed in this complicated world.
LikeLike
Your post brought me back to the 80s and going to the mall in the summertime with my grandparents. Most of the malls in NJ and FL had indoor fountains when I was growing up and my grandparents would always provide me with coins to toss in. Nowadays, there aren’t any more fountains. (Maybe there are… I do most of my shopping online.) Our kids don’t get that tossing experience like we did.
LikeLike
I feel the same way when I see hummingbirds, as they were my grandparents’ favorites. When I see/hear those birds I smile. Your penny on the ground also made me smile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💙
LikeLike
Mmm… going back through the posts I missed. What a great structure here – the last line is perfect. And, oh!, the memories of finding coins.
LikeLike