The odds of winning the Powerball Jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338 according to an article posted on CNN.com. The reward was in the 300 million dollar range. The possibility of winning is so minute. A win seems next to impossible.
What is it like to have that ticket in your hand? What does that feel like to glance at the numbers on the piece of orange paper that mirror the numbers on the TV screen; that moment when you realize the power you’ve just acquired. Because that’s what you’ve just won. Power.
I visualize winning the lottery. I see myself sitting at my kitchen table. I’m focused. I’m pulling up every. single. bill. I’m going online or better yet, I’m calling them up. I’m paying it all off. One payment. Paid in full. Power.
In that scene, I’ve paid off my house. Mortgage payment. No more. I own where I live. It’s mine.
My older brother. His debt is gone. His house. Paid. My step-sister. Same. My sister. She picks her home. It will be paid. Her debt. Gone. My step-daughter. Same. My step-mom, her house will be fixed up. The years of caring for my Father, the projects they put off, the things he grew to sick to do will all be done.
That is power. Power to help. Power to pay back. Power to show love and respect and appreciation. I don’t have too many people in my circle these days. The people that remain have done tremendous things for me, for my kids, for my father, for my mother. How do you repay that? Power.
It’s about the money but it’s not really about the money. It’s the ability to live the days of your life, how long or short they may be, with peace, contentment, and more TIME. All of these things are priceless. What a gift to be able to give.
I would handle all of the things that have been put off. Care for my aging dogs, care for my aging face, care for my lived-in home. My son’s teeth. My aching shoulder. Care. The things that are important. But, costly. Timely. They become the things that don’t make the priorities list. We all have them. It’s so unfortunate.
What this means for the most important person to me who I feel is the most deserving would be the most beautiful gift of all. To my husband, this power would provide moments; more moments with his family. He’s never not hustling to provide for his family. Every single need we have has been put before his own. I can’t think of a better use of this power than to give him some more moments and time with his children. There’s nothing he’d appreciate more. Maybe that and a good steak.
It’s a lot of money. A lot of power. I think about how I could help families caring for aging relatives that can’t afford the help. I was there. Two friends come to mind immediately that would also benefit. I think about a couple individuals gearing up for college that really don’t know how they’ll afford it. I would gladly help. That power would make such a difference.
The odds are near impossible. But the possibility keeps me playing twice a week. That power would be such a beautiful thing.
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