When I was young, really young, not 10 years old my guess, I came into possession of a little-girl’s purse.
Don’t remember its color, don’t remember its material, don’t even remember who gave it to me. I do, however, remember the dilemma that came with it: what to put inside? My life at that time was obviously not very important. Oh, I had some intrinsic value to someone. But I had no responsibilities. I was way too young for makeup. I surely didn’t have any money. I had nothing to put in that purse. I was a nobody and an empty little-girl’s purse proved that.
Not to be deterred. My spirit was strong. I’m trying to tell you, I’m not deterred by challenge, not then, not now. I was going to put something into that purse, God darn it. I had to.
So, what did I end up putting in that little-girl's purse? I don’t remember, to tell you the truth … except for one item: A D-size battery. Yup. And I think some grown-up, possibly my Aunt Winnie, derided me for it. What’s this? a battery?
The battery-in-the-little-girl’s-purse experience must have stuck with me. Perhaps this microscopic episode in my life had some lasting impact. The realization that I was so insignificant that I had nothing to carry around must have bothered me. Some day, I was going to be somebody.
