The highs and lows...

Yesterday she got something she had wanted for some time.  I know, it's material (ok, not fabric but material).  Something she could use and create and enjoy.  Something that would bring happiness to those who enjoyed the end result.  and She was happy.  She had seen the item several days before in the store.  She and her daughter had been shopping and came across the shelves that held the "cut price" items.  She knew it wasn't wise to look, but this particular item got their eye.  She asked one of the store clerks about it, was told it hadn't been returned, in fact it had never left the store.. just the last item on the shelve, not in a box, and no issues.  She and her daughter couldn't believe their luck.  This item had been much more than they really could afford, but on this shelf the price was lower.  But.. they walked away.. Not low enough..  OH well..  and totally unsure of "if it really was a good deal and should they take it home.  

Then yesterday after meeting an old friend who was going on a trip, for lunch (and while her daughter was in school), she decided to take a chance.. see if the item was still there.  She went into the store, walked down the side isle and rounded the corner.. and there is sat.  ON the top shelf..   oh gosh she thought..  but.. I still can't really afford this.  until she walked closer and realized that the store had lower the price making the item 40pct off the original price.  Now that doesn't sound like much, but you have to know the original cost.   Her heart skipped a beat and her stomach nearly did a flip.  

She headed straight for managers station and inquired about the item.  Give me all the details.  Never been taken out of the store, never been used by anyone, not all the pieces seemed to be there, but, well that could be easily fixed as the items were not totally crucial to it's operation.  Ok, so you have the manual somewhere??  Yes, I'll get it.  She waited.. a few minutes passed and the manager walked out with an envelope that contained not only the manual, but the 2 missing pieces.  OH GOSH!!.  She couldn't believe her luck.  Yes, I'll take it.

NO REFUND, NO RETURN..  That's what was stamped on the tag.. so before purchasing she too the item to the customer service desk and they turned it on.. it's worked..  the motor ran, the gadget turned round.. she couldn't believe her luck..  Unreal.

So the purchase was made, the card went through and she walked out of the store with her new purchase.

That evening at home her daughter was thrilled, couldn't believe her eyes when she say it.  She wanted to start working with it but decided to wait.. and they did.

She drove the kids to school and went to work, thinking all day about what they could make with the item when she got home.  Once home, her daughter said.. come mom, help me with this machine.. let see what it does.    So she plugged it in..   and nothing.  no motor humming, no gadget turning.  She stood.. stunned..  This just wasn't happening..  Her stomach rolled over, but for all the wrong reasons.  try this plug, try that plug.. nothing.  she stood and put her head in her hands.  stunned.  Her husband came and tried to see what was wrong. Her daughter had plugged it in during the afternoon and the motor ran and the gadget turned twice and then stopped.  No clue.  The husband had another look..  but nothing.

She got her dinner and sat with her family at the table.  Not talking, just eating, in stunned silence.  Her money gone, her joy gone.  

What is she to do..   She will take it to someone who maybe can revive it and hope for the best.  and .. She will go on, because that's what she does..   and one day, hopefully, she will be able to report that this material item that she longed for and finally was able to get, will be work again and she will bring much joy to her family and friends because of it.