Late afternoon, Friday, June 21, 2013, final day of Spring, I left work ultra-aware that it was my dreaded "off-week" for getting paid -- as a salaried-employee, I get paid bi-weekly. My 250-cc Suzuki motorcycle needed gasoline, and prior to putting maybe $2.50 in the tank, I first checked-in with wife Carol on our family financial status. "Well Chuck, things are not good unless you manage to go to Biotest tomorrow and donate blood-plasma..., donors receive $40.00 in return, 'ya know"
" Yea, Carol. Biotest is located in Dickson City, right?"
" Yes, Chuck, it's in the strip mall beside the old Chuckie Cheese."
" O.K...., I'll go there before Noon. Do they pay cash?"
" I assume check," she replied.
Typically, especially on a pay-week, I'd much prefer donating blood-plasma as a charitable act, minus the money incentive, but traditional sentiments had to be considered and cast away, and get job done. And the sole thing I had to do for the remainder of the day was to travel to a local baseball field and watch my son Joseph play in an American Legion ballgame. A "planner" by nature, emergency response supervisor, "ready for all contingencies," if a ball-player comes around "passing the hat" during 3 rd inning, I'd tactically excuse myself, and walk toward Pagnotti Park rest-rooms. Nobody would know I'm broke.
Sixth inning, Joe's team taking a fierce beating, my company cell phone rang, answered, and it was Carol, emoting an excited and worried tone.
" Chuck, I hope you played the night-time Pa Daily Number '550' like I asked?
" Yea -- Carol, I did, and the ticket's right here in my wallet."
" O Jesus... we won $330.00! You won't have to go to Biotest tomorrow!"
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