The Value Of Money

Alice was widely known as the cheapest person in her town.

She hung on to every penny she earned, spending only what she had to, and then invested all those savings and made an incredible fortune.

But never did she spend money for her own benefit or for the benefit of others.

Now, at the age of 90, as she laid in her death bed, an Angel appeared.

"Alice," the Angel said, "What are you going to do with all that money? You have no heirs, and you can't take the money with you."

"I don't know," Alice snapped. "It's mine, I earned it!"

"But for what purpose," asked the Angel. "You never enjoyed it. What value did the money have?"

"Even now, you're in the charity ward of the hospital because you wouldn't spend money on yourself in your final hours."

"Take a walk with me Alice," the Angel said. And before Alice could say no, she found herself using her walker, walking with an Angel who was invisible to others .

They took the elevator to the children's ward, where Alice saw children fighting for their lives from cancer and other horrible diseases.

As Alice looked around at this dark, drab place, suddenly a 4-year-old hugged her, and said, "I'm Annie. What's your name?" "Alice," the old woman replied. "Why are you here Annie?"

"I'm very sick," the tiny tot answered. I'm hoping to have my 5th birthday next week. But you looked so sad, I wanted to hug you, and invite you to my birthday party."

Alice began to melt, as she stared at the adorable little girl. Then she met both of Annie's dolls, and read Annie and the dolls a story.

Afterward, Alice and the Angel went back to Alice's ward. She asked the Angel, "Will Annie live to have her birthday party?"

"No," replied the Angel. "She is going to die shortly."

Tears began to trickle down Alice's cheeks. "I know what I want to do with my money," she told the Angel.

"I want part of it to be used in Annie's name to build an entire new children's wing, one that is colorful and fun, and will help relieve the children of their suffering.

"I also want to pay for research to help end these horrible diseases."

"And I want the rest to help pay the hospital costs for families that can't afford to bring their children here."

"We will see to it that your wishes are honored," said the smiling Angel. "At long last Alice, you learned the value of money."

With Love To All ~ Dick