Well, it was $25 from a scratch off ticket I bought when I was recently in Georgia, but it’s something!
When that Megamillions jackpot was almost $600 million recently, I drove over to Louisiana to get some tickets. There were about 30 people in line when I got there, and a nice lady in front of me started a conversation by asking the most basic question: “What would you do if you won?”
Like most people who occasionally buy lottery tickets, I’ve had those daydreams many times in the past. “Well, I’d first take care of my family and some longtime friends, giving them enough money so they can be very comfortable financially,” I said. I then told her I’d certainly set aside a considerable amount for charities and causes I believe in, such as those involving veterans and children who are ill and/or impoverished in our country.
But she persisted. “What would you really buy … something special for yourself?” she asked. “A new house? Car? Take a trip around the world?”
My needs are much more simple. I said, “I’ve always wanted one of those toasters you can put a bagel in.” She responded, “Well, those things cost around $8 at Walmart, sir. You must have a pretty quiet life.” She was correct about that, and I probably have eight bucks worth of change at the bottom of my gym bag to make the purchase. But every time I pass by one of those toasters I talk myself out of it, rationalizing that it’s too much of a luxury and I can just continue to squash the bagel slices in my hands so they fit in my regular 20-year old toaster.
When I heard two people split that huge jackpot, my thought was that there was at least one brain cell in each of them that asked “Why did someone else have to win?” I think that’s human nature.
When we consider what we’d do with all of that money, ultimately at some point I believe we all must take a deep breath and appreciate our current blessings. Maybe that’s an overlooked lesson in all of this daydreaming. Think about it: Would you take millions of dollars if you were told you could never see a loved one again?
Human nature and deeper spiritual considerations aside, what would you do if you won a huge lottery prize? Have some fun with this. And please don’t say you’d hire someone to punch me out because you didn’t like my original “10s of Oxford” story. I’ve already been threatened enough….
HottyToddy.com is looking for your answers on what you would do with a big jackpot. Comment on the site after the story, or where this story is linked on our Facebook page: If You Love Oxford and Ole Miss.
Steven J. Austin writes for HottyToddy.com and publications worldwide. He is the author of the original 10s of Oxford.
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