Reverse Tooth Fairy

[hatman]

Mom had some dental work done recently. Had to get a tooth implanted. So Dad said that she'd have to pay the Reverse Tooth Fairy that night. So I found a tiny little envelope in the greeting card drawer and printed out a little slip. It said, in a small, elegant script-like font, "Please deposit $1. Thank you. Sincerely, The Reverse Tooth Fairy." I left it on her pillow that night.

She thought it was a riot. And slipped the envelope under my door with a little note and two half dollars.

Later, when she went to get the stitches out, I left another note along with a little mint. The note said, "Thank you for your patronage." It might or might not have said something about repeat business. I don't remember. But the joke was that having a sugary candy at bedtime would make the repeat business more likely.

Anyway, it was fun. But now I've got two half dollars. I've been carrying them around in my pocket for over a week. I'm not sure what to do with them. I mean, they're tooth fairy money. You can't just spend it anywhere.

Almost gave them to the first homeless guy I met that day. But Mom has a policy of never giving them money directly. Food, yes. Money, no.

So now I don't know what to do. Not so much you can buy for $1 these days. Giving it to a busker doesn't seem quite fitting.

How do I pay this forward?

Comments

[katieastrophe]

Do you have anything like Make a Wish you could give it to? It's similar enough - fairies grant wishes, so the tooth fairy money could go to granting a kid their wish.

[hatman]

There is a US Make A Wish Foundation, yes. Even looked into signing on as a wish granter at one point. But I'm just not reliable enough these days, and I would hate to fall short on something like that.

I do like the idea, though. Just not sure what they can do with a dollar. And not sure how to get it to them. I mean, I could easily donate online, but then what do I do with the coins? Hmmm...

[rosebee]

Many times local stores will have collection jars for this or that worthy cause. Perhaps you might find one of those that's to your liking?

[hatman]

Not that I've seen. The ones around here seem to have Coinstar machines. But it's a thought. Maybe if I keep my eye out. I mean, there are some little things for animal shelters and stuff. Hmm. Thanks.

[meretia]

That is so adorable.

I know a lot of the fast food joints, at least in this part of the country, have dollar menus where you can get a single hamburger or small fries or salad or something. You might just hang on to it and if you see someone in need of a meal with one of those kind of places like that nearby you can offer to get them something.

[hatman]

Yeah, they have them. It's a thought. Thanks. :)

[stellar_dust]

Save it and reuse it the next time the tooth fairy comes to town! For your kids, or somebody else's kids.

[hatman]

Maybe. Was thinking of that. My oldest niece is Tooth Fairy age. But... that's her parents' responsibility. So... I dunno.

[doranwen.livejournal.com]

The idea of the Reverse Tooth Fairy is awesome. That said, I'm not sure how you'd pay it forward. Needs that personal touch . . .

[pgwfolc.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it does. But it is such a fun idea, isn't it? :)

[acbshada.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure how to "pay it forward", but I just have to say that this is a spectacular thing you did for your mother. lol I love it.

[pgwfolc.livejournal.com]

Well, it was originally Dad's idea. But yeah, I loved it. :)

[theblackshadow.livejournal.com]

That's hilarious. I will have to get implants one day, and I'm so filing this away for later.

[pgwfolc.livejournal.com]

Hee. :)

What'll happen with your RTF money, then? Any idea?