The Happy Jar

Years ago when Teage left on his mission to Mexico, Jesse and Brett placed a nearly 2-foot tall plastic Coke bottle between their bedrooms. Over the course of two years they would drop spare change and parts of their tips from working at Anthony's into the growing stash. As Teage had worked hard to save for his mission, they wanted to surprise him with a large, heavy bag of coinns at Sea-Tac airport. Every clink of a coin was a daily reminder of our brother and one day closer that he would return home. They couldn't wait! As Teage's homecoming neared we were all anxious to see him and his happy face upon receiving their thoughtful gift of love.

The tradition continued when Brook served his mission to Argentina 2006-2008. Only this time, every clink of a coin or push of a bill was also a reminder of the brother who was smiling and watching from afar. Jesse's gift continued.

There's a jar in our laundry room.
Every sound of a clink makes me feel happy.

To celebrate Jesse's birthday each November 12, we've used the contents of that jar - amounting to a few hundred dollars each year - with the intent to make someone else happy. I hope our projects have done so, and that Ethan, Kiana and Maiya continue to develop that same sense of selfless giving that started this. They get it.

We all can share a bit of Happy, right?