“What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

— Oscar Wilde

As we pulled into the music shop where my daughter was going to have a lesson, a sign got her attention.

“Look, Dad. 2 for 1 Donuts. Can we get some?” she asked imploringly.

“No,” I replied.

“Humph,” she muttered as she went into her lesson, disappointed but probably not surprised.

Forty-five minutes later, I pulled back into the parking lot. I looked over at the sign again. Still 2 for 1 Donuts.

I thought, “Hmmm. 2 for 1 sweet and tasty donuts. I could get one for her and one for me. All for one low, low price.” (Apparently, I think in advertisements.)

Motivated by my clever plan, I went over and bought the donuts from the smiling attendant. Handing him a crumpled dollar, he thanked me as if I had just bought a Mercedes. I knew this was a good idea. And cheap too!

But when I got back in my car, and looked at the glazed donuts, I realized that I wanted something other than a donut. I wanted something cheaper. Something deeper.

My daughter came out of the building and got into the car. I handed her the bag of donuts and she gave me a huge smile. When I said that both were hers, she smiled again.

That’s all I really wanted. A smile.

And for the same dollar, I got two.

Bought my daughter two donuts. Bought myself two smiles.