The Lottery

No, not the Shirley Jackson classic story, which I highly recommend.

Rather, the real lottery. In Michigan, that takes many forms including Mega Millions and Powerball.

Everyone jokes about winning and losing. Yet, just the other day, I had an eye-opening realization.

I was speaking with an acquaintance, about a number of things. We found ourselves seated next to each other in a lobby with time on our hands. Somehow, the subject of gambling came up. We have a casino nearby and plenty of church, athletic, and civic fund-raisers in the community.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to win,” I said.

“Not just nice, I am counting on it,” she replied. I paused to look at her expression and take in her tone.

This was no joke, and it was not a hair-brained retirement scheme. It was a “need” for money, and this was one of few left open to her, a widow on a fixed income with no family treasures, family support, or pension parachute in sight. She was serious.

Sure, money has always been tight for middle to low-middle income folks, especially for retirees who did not have big time retirement plans or options in their line of work. But these are changing times. I knew where she was coming from. She is 10 years my senior and I can remember the cost of things, the need (not want) for things and the hard work that went into every paycheck for my parents, my older siblings, cousins. And that was when an average new car was $3,500 versus upwards of $30,000 today.

The stress and work that it takes to make sure every dollar counts is exhausting. My friend, let’s call her Alice, still works part-time and does not live beyond her means. That is hard when some of her friends do, and she would love to join along. But the bills keep coming, health care is an issue, and who knows what next month will bring.

She is pragmatic and patient, but you can see the weariness in her eyes. It is sad. Here is a woman who has earned some joy and contentment in her life, and she is living it almost as she did 20 years ago, working, saving, staying close to home.

I am not an economist, but it seems the value of money is much more than its designation – it always has been. But now, as I chat with folks like Alice, I realize there are very little options to “get ahead’ that do not include luck, great advice, and being at the right place at the right time. And don’t get me started about scam artists who target seniors. Robbing from the least, easy prey. Despicable.

So, count your blessings, take a friend to lunch, send a care package, give when you are able and sure, if you have the extra $2, take a chance on luck. Do it now – the cost of lottery tickets goes up to $5 in April.

Joanne Williams is Associate Professor of Media Production and Communication at The University of Olivet.