The “Haves” and “Have-nots”

I was struck this past week - Memorial Day to be exact - while I was watching the news. They did a segment on the high cost of fuel, and how it was impacting people’s lives. They then mentioned that they had their inbox filled with stories about this, and shared a couple of them, as they normally do.

I sat and watched - as one e-mailer said they had really ‘cut back’ on their usual barbeque for the holiday - whereas they normally would have had ribeyes and ribs with all the trimmings - now they were ‘making do’ with home-made hamburgers and chips. The e-mailer also mentioned that next year they might just be having a ‘bowl of soup’.

The next email was more so…..this person wrote to say that they weren’t going out with their boat and camper for the weekend as they would have - they were taking the gas money - and it was detailed out - so much that would have gone in the boat - so much for the camper - so much for camping fees - and spending it on a blow-out barbeque at home.

Now…I’m sitting there thinking….who are these people? Is this what the news folks call the ‘average’ person? Having always thought I was somewhat the “average” one, my eyes were opened!

I have never been able to afford steaks and ribs for a holiday barbeque - or any other time, for that matter. It didn’t make me feel ‘deprived’ to have ‘home-made’ hamburgers and fixins’ I made myself (forget chips!) - and we had a wonderful holiday meal, enjoying the beautiful weather. Thinking to myself that we are a far cry from having to plan on a ‘bowl of soup’ because of the gas prices.

And the other folks? Excuse me - a boat? AND a camper? Again, never had ‘em, don’t miss them. Did my share of camping when my boys were growing up - on the shore of Lake Michigan in a free campground, in a tent, and the cost other than getting there was nothing - all the supplies came with us from home. From the total that emailer saved (think it was about $150) - they must have had one great meal!

The cost of fuel makes no difference to us as far as vacation goes - we’ve never been able to plan “trips” - the money just isn’t there, so we have our fun at home. It does mean that there will only be one trip to see the grandkids this summer, instead of two. We plan trips around town to cover more errands at one time. We grow what we can to get around the higher cost of food. I hunt bargains.

My point isn’t to whine, or think that I’m one of the “have-nots” that my title suggests. I think we’ve perhaps lost sight of the things that are important - that have nothing to do with money - and equate prosperity with the ability to spend cash. I guess it’s all in your perspective. Me? I think I’m definitely one of the “haves”!

May 29, 2008 |

Comments

9 Comments so far

timbury, P.C. May 29, 2008 1:56 pm
Nice post, Trysh! I remember feeling deprived as a teenager because kids from my German class were going to Germany for the summer and my family was renting a bungalow at the Jersey Shore for two weeks. Many of my “Shore friends” owned vacation homes at the beach or rented for the whole season. No matter what I had, I compared myself to those who had more.

Now, after some experience in life, I’m well aware of the advantages I had over many others, how hard my folks worked to give me the best they could, and of the countless blessings that are, like the credit card ad says, priceless.
Maureen, Painting/Drawing May 29, 2008 1:59 pm
Bravo! You hit the nail on the head.

A lot of people have been spoiled for so long, that they think they are so hard done by because they have to cut back on their luxuries.

Just take a good look around the rest of the world and tell me you have something to complain about… most people have no idea what “struggling” really means.
Mr Lady, 30 Something May 29, 2008 2:32 pm
I am quite happy to have an old car, no boat, and no debt.
bgabree, Dads May 29, 2008 3:31 pm
Trysh - Everything is relative… However, I think your perspective is dead on. Thanks so much for your well stated thoughts. Best regards.
Melisa, Women May 29, 2008 4:50 pm
Great post, Trysh! It’s a beautiful thing, to appreciate the things that you have. For me, a simplified life (without a bunch of material trappings) is soooo worth it. I’m happy the way we live, too!
Bad Momma, Moms May 29, 2008 5:41 pm
I’m right there with you. I’m happy to relax at home, eating generic brands and watching the grass grow. The last few years we have “down-sized” our spending and lifestyle and actually been happier. Sometimes less really is more.
tenakim, Moms May 29, 2008 7:32 pm
I agree. It is hard when you are surrounded by many of the “haves” and it’s important to keep everything in perspective.
RealWorldMom, Moms May 30, 2008 11:21 am
Well said, trysh! It does seem to be a matter of perspective…
stewartallyn, Dads May 31, 2008 7:42 am
Be happy with what you have…there are many who don’t even have that.