Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car).
If you ask most people about the most expensive personal item they’ve ever purchased, you might hear about a designer bag, a luxury car, or even a dream home. But for me, the most valuable thing I invest in every year isn’t something I can hold in my hands—it’s the vacation tickets for my mother and me.
Every year, on our shared birthday, I take my mother on a special trip. This tradition started 16 years ago, and now, at 85 years old, she’s still enjoying these birthday adventures with me. These trips aren’t just vacations; they are moments of joy, memories made, and a promise I made to myself—to keep a smile on my mother’s face.
A Promise to Keep Her Smiling
My mother had me on her 37th birthday, but at that time, life wasn’t easy for her. She faced struggles, especially in her marriage to my father, and happiness was often hard to find. Growing up, I watched her endure so much, and when I graduated high school, I made a decision: I would do everything in my power to bring her happiness.
Everything I’ve achieved—joining the military, earning two degrees, purchasing four homes, and writing fifteen children’s books—has been fueled by the desire to see her smile. Every step forward in my career has been another way to give her joy.
Our Most Memorable Trip Yet
Over the years, we’ve traveled to some incredible places, but the most expensive and meaningful trip we’ve taken was to Africa and Dubai in 2023. That experience was worth every penny—not because of the price tag, but because of the priceless memories we created together.
As long as my mother is able, I’ll continue this tradition. Because for me, the most valuable thing money can buy isn’t a material object—it’s time, experiences, and the joy of seeing her happy.
Help Me Keep Spreading Joy
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Russell Books 
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