Saving steps

Grandma said that I could save her lots of steps if I would go to the cellar and get some canned peaches.  Happily, I counted as I descended.  My eyes adjusted to the dim light.  There were shelves of canned fruits and vegetables.  I found the peaches, but something else caught my eye.  Dark amber canning jars.  Dusty, empty ones.  "LIGHTNING" was printed in raised letters on the sides.  I couldn't take my eyes off them.  My heart raced.  I wanted one. 

The usual prize for step-saving was a Hershey bar.  We knew exactly where they were kept and always looked forward to mid-afternoon when Grandma needed her chocolate.  (They were in a drawer, neatly stacked in a box.  The Tums could be found in that same drawer.)   Grandma shared her chocolate.  But that day, my heart was set on another prize.  

I tried to remember the step count as I got to the top of the stairs and started counting out loud.  There was much praise as I handed her the peaches with the sum of steps saved.  I described the old jars I had seen and asked many questions.  She must have detected my interest and... said that I could have one!  I saved Grandma some steps.  And I saved my Lightning jar.  Still have it.  Still love it.