Just some context: I grew up in a pretty average, ordinary family. People often say that having a stable, healthy family is already a blessing compared to most of the world, and I get that.
My parents used to say that all the time. When I was a kid, those glow in the dark star stickers you put on the ceiling were all the rage. I wanted them so badly. My parents told me if I got good grades on my entrance exams they'd buy them for me. I actually did it, but when I finally asked for them at the store, they just shut me down. They said it was a total waste of money and that children shouldn't be making demands of their parents.
That kind of thing happened countless times throughout my childhood. Now, as an adult, I have the money to buy ten thousand of those star stickers if I wanted to, but the thing is I'm not that little kid anymore.
Last week, when I went home for the holidays, my little niece was crying. I asked her what was wrong, and she said her dad (my younger brother) had promised to buy her a galaxy projector (he was drunk when he said it, and of course, he didn't remember when he sobered up).
The projector was well within my budget, so I didn't even hesitate. I ordered it on amazon right then and there, and it arrived yesterday. My niece is 15 now, and the projector is honestly so beautiful. When she got the package, she was so happy that she just hugged me tight.
I don't feel sad anymore. I actually feel so happy that I have the ability to do this for her. Seeing her smile healed a part of me, too:) Feeling so blessed!