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.
