The Single Biggest Life Lesson I Learned From Losing The Lottery On My Birthday

“Yes, I lost that game on my birthday. But in the game of life I am a winner.”

A few months ago a friend suggested that I play the lottery on my birthday. Because my birthday this year was special it was only right that I did something unusual. And the world of gambling definitely is unfamiliar territory for me.

I do not play the lottery, as I do not see the appeal in it. I have observed my friends buying tickets on their lunch break or on their way home from work, but it never occurred to me that I should follow suit.

I was in my early 20s when my cousin got married in Mississippi. The hotel we stayed in had a huge casino. The evening before we were supposed to fly back home my mother and I grabbed dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants. While we were waiting for a table in the lobby I sat next to a much older woman who looked to be in her late 70s. For a few minutes I listened quietly while she kept cursing and fuming heavily. I finally gave in to my curiosity and asked her what’s wrong. With the saddest puppy dog gaze she stared into my eyes and told me she lost almost all of her money gambling.

I couldn’t say anything, as I was so stunned I was speechless. With my mouth wide open in shock I took a mental vow to never become that…