The Money Tree
By
GosselinGirl
(A modern day fairy tale)

Once upon a time in the land of St. Augustine, there lived a family that had everything money could buy. They even had their own money tree.

The family was well known throughout the land for all of the wonderful things that they had. All the peasants wanted to be rich just like them. It truly was a great life to all on the outside.

Papa Perez and Momma Perez owned many businesses throughout St. Augustine.  They were your typical Spanish family and were well liked by all in their class. Susie and Sammie were their two daughters and never wanted for anything.

One day, while out shopping in the mall, the family was approached by a beggar on the street. Papa told the beggar to get away from his family. To go out and find a better way of life. The beggar told Papa that one day he would be sorry for his selfish ways. Because of all of his gluttony, that soon his wealth would be a thing of the past. Papa just laughed at him.

Time passed and the Perez’s fortune grew and grew. They had so much money that they didn’t appreciate the things they had. Susie and Sammy were always asking for more. The nice things they had didn’t mean anything to them. Every piece of clothing they owned was always thrown on the floor. The maids and butlers got to the point that they couldn’t keep up with all the mess.

Soon the family didn’t even bother to take care of what they had. If they couldn’t find something in the house…they just went out and bought another one. Only to throw the old one on the ground or in the garage to never more be seen. Their whole lifestyle was changing and they couldn’t even see it.

Months turned into years and the piles of discarded items and trash grew and grew. Always focusing on their own needs before the needs of others. Nothing was important to them anymore. Money was the focus of their everyday lives and the things they could buy to make them look good to the outside world.

Soon, no one bothered to come to their house anymore. The Perez family didn’t seem to notice the harsh conditions that they were living in. Their focus was only on what they could get at that moment. Never caring about what they had in front of them. Clothes and food started rotting and stinking. The maids and butlers got tired of picking up after them and finally quit. Within seven years, the house and family were bankrupt. No more look at me…I am the big somebody in town. Now, they just didn’t know what to do.

Once again while out shopping at a thrift store they came across the same beggar. The beggar ask them for a few coins so he could get something to eat. Papa Perez just looked at him and told him thanks for your good wishes. Now, my family is in shambles because of you. The beggar told Papa that it was his fault because he didn’t appreciate what he had. He gave ole Papa Perez an ear full that day.

Did Papa and Momma Perez ever learn anything from all their bad fortune? Well, yes and no. Yes, because they lost all that they had because of their selfish ways. No, because they just left all of their nice stuff behind instead of giving it away to someone less fortunate.

Now, the Perez family is living like everyone else in the land of St. Augustine. They are just a simple family, however, they complain all the time about what they had and lost. I guess they just don’t get it that money doesn’t really grow on trees and a fool and his money are soon parted. Maybe someday they will learn to cherish everything that they have in life. Every single item that they own, their family, good health, and love. For happiness can’t be bought…it is something that doesn’t grow on trees. It is something that comes from the heart. When you care and appreciate the things you have in life…you don’t need a money tree to make you happy. Your happy because you are loved and life is so much simpler.

~The End~