My best friend made me cry....

[roppongi]

I came home tonight absolutely exhausted tired. My best friend from college sent me a card to cheer me up. I opened the envelope and a check floated to the floor; I wasn''t that surprised as we are constantly sending each other checks to fly up and down California (she lives in LA). My heart skipped several beats when I saw that the check was made out for $5,000. OMG. I picked up the phone and called her and she just said, "Please go out and buy youself something that will make you happy. DO NOT RIP IT UP." I simply broke down and cried.

What would you do if $5,000 fell into your lap?

 

[oshinbreez]

Awwww....how sweet of your friend. I think with part of the money, I''d fly see her and take her out.

 

[diamondfan]

I would certainly have her come visit, esp since your hubby is recuperating and you could use a shoulder to lean on right about now...then I would save the rest til something really grabbed me!

 

[portoar]

WOW. Now that is a friend. I second the motion to fly out to see her and take her out. Then I would do exactly what she asked you to do with the money . . . buy yourself something to make you happy. But think about what would give you real satisfaction. Do you have bills piled up that are causing a nagging worry in your mind? Or do you need to put money into your home for repairs or upgrades? I know jewelry is the first thing we think of when a windfall comes our way. But sometimes other practical things bring much more overall satisfaction to our lives. I know if it were me I''d replace the windows in our home or remodel a bathroom over jewelry. Or I might buy some new furniture (we need it) or on the frivolous side, buy some nice art for the walls.

 

[monarch64]

What a sweet, dear friend you have, R. I would do exactly as she asked in her note and buy yourself something that makes you happy when you''ve had a chance to clear-headedly think about it first. I''m not making any suggestions as I don''t know you, but it sounds like she really wants to do something that would make YOU happy! Of course, if you have some bill that needs attention pronto, take care of it if it will take some weight off your shoulders, but I have a feeling you''ve tied up your loose ends already and she knows that. It would be wonderful if you could fly her out and have her go shopping with you, if you have the time to take while your DH is being treated (I seem to recall that from a previous thread, forgive me if I''m totally off base here.)

If you really don''t NEED the money or don''t end up figuring out something you really, really want that you''ve been avoiding due to the money factor, is there a charity related to something you hold dear in your heart that you''d be willing to turn over the check? Or some cause you''ve always wanted to give to, or something related to your DH''s health? Just brainstorming aloud here... I''m sure given some time and thought you will come up with the right decision, and your best friend already knows that. God bless her.

 

[DonaBella]

Sweetie, you have more wealth having this person as your friend than you might ever know! How amazingly kind, generous and thoughtful of her!

Others have made some great suggestions. You know your situation best. Is there something financially pressing that has you over the moon worried? If so, pay for that. If you still have some of the funds available even after that, take care of YOU. Think of something that you would NEVER do for yourself but you know you''d love to do or experience.

Definitely go fly over to see your friend. She has lifted your heart and spirit so and by flying out to see her, you can give her that hug you so desperately want to do. I am sure you will use this gift with wisdom.

 

[bookworm21]

Oh Roppongi, what a sweet and generous friend you''ve got there! Definitely go fly out and see her; just doing so may be all you need to cheer up, good friends are great for that.

I''m sorry, I haven''t been around for a while and just got caught up. I''m sorry about your DH''s health; hope everything''s better by now.

 

[february2003bride]

What a wonderful friend!

I would have a spa weekend for the two of you

 

[Erin]

I guess if I were your friend, I would feel better that you spent it on something that gave you pleasure or satisfaction (whether that means a new roof or a new handbag) than if you flew up and did a joint spa thing. I understand the meaning behind that choice but I guess as the giver I would feel that spending some of the money on me meant that in a small way you felt it was the right thing to do or you would otherwise feel guilty if you didn''t. Just remember, that''s not what she said the money is for. Do with it what she wants you to do with it - make yourself happy!

 

[widget]

Oh, roppongi...what a sweet sweet friend you have!!

Actually, Feb=bride''s idea of a spa retreat for both of you might be a great idea. Can you get away for a day or two? A little restorative pampering and nurturing might be just what the doctor ordered...for you!

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Hon....take care.

widget

 

[Mara]

haha my first thought when I saw this was...BIRKIN, BABY!

Then I thought. OH. You already have one. So nevermind!

Diamond bracelet?

Actually, I love the ideas put out here about sharing it with your friend in some way, aka a visit and then a spa day and day of shopping for you both. What a sweet gesture, I can imagine how touched you must have been. People are pulling for ya gal. Big hugs.

 

[larussel03]

wow, that is one great friend! If I were you I would graciously accept and def use some of it to do something with her or for her. That''s what true friends are for, helping each other out without expecting anything in return when needed. You''re a lucky gal to have such a great friend

 

[Julian]

That is SO sweet! I would use it on a weekend vacation for the two of you!

Whatever you buy with $5k won't last half as long as the wonderful memories of your trip together as sisters!

Congrats on having such a beautiful friendship. That is TRUE WEALTH!!!!!

 

[Clarygrace]

You have a very special and generous friend! I agree, take her out and spend it together!

 

[FireGoddess]

What a sweet friend!

I would definitely get a ticket out to see her...and maybe let her help you pick something out...or brainstorm together!!