Have dollars, Need Slot Machine

Matthew VanFossan/ February 4, 2020/ Las Vegas, Traveling

On my way from Los Angeles to Miami I had a layover in Las Vegas. An unwanted stop. Or was it? What if I played a slot machine in the airport and won big!? Then my stop would be worth it!

I arrived in Las Vegas. An airport employee helped me down the ramp from the airplane and walked me over to my next gate, about fifty feet away. He was in a hurry. “Sign this please,” he said. So I fingered the electronic pad he was carrying  and signed my name. Then he was gone.

“Dang,” I thought. “Now who will help me gamble?”

I heard an older couple sit down next to me. “Hi!” I said. “Are you two waiting for the flight to Miami” They were. I chatted with them a minute. They saw I was blind, traveling alone. I hesitated for a moment, feeling ridiculous. But my desire to do it outweighed my embarrassment at asking.

“Sir,” I said, “Can you help me throw some money into a slot machine? I mean, I have the money. I just need help to get there.”

The man hesitated. “Well, alright,” he agreed. I took his arm and followed him, carrying my bags behind me.

We found a slot machine. I pulled out a dollar.
“Will it take it like this?” I said, fitting my dollar into the slot.
“It’s like my wife. It’ll take your money any way you give it,” said the man. I laughed.
“Dollar sign, cherry, 7,” said the man.
“Did I win?” I asked.
“It says: credits, zero,” he said.
“Ok, let me try one more time.” I put my second dollar in. The machine sucked it up like a vacuum.
“Seven, bar, seven,” said the man.
“Did I win?!” I asked.

“Credits: zero.” he said.

Tired of throwing money away I decided to call it a night.
“Did you win?” asked the wife when we got back.
“No, but I had fun,” I said, thanking them both. I could tell the man was entertained. He seemed lit up.
Later, on the plane, I sat in the bulkhead as passengers filed in.

“No more gambling!” said the man as he passed. We laughed.

I thought about how embarrassed I was to ask, but how great it was I could connect with that couple over something so silly as a slot machine. For the hundredth time I promised myself to not let embarrassment stop me from doing things I want to do, things that bring me closer to others, however that works.

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3 Comments

  1. Ania Bella Sara

    Love this. God Bless you Matthew. You are a beautiful light in my life, and I would say for many who embrace your delightful essence of loving joy. I hold you dear in my heart. Your presence is always a reminder of joy.

  2. Evelyn Laughlin

    I love you Mat 😃
    Is the first time reading your blog
    Hugs and light
    🤗💜🤗

  3. Diane Winn

    Important lesson! You brought joy into others lives by following your playful inspiration!

    That’s a big WIN!

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