Everyone needs a “7 Eleven story.”

I experienced one at a young age that led to a defining moment in my life.

I vividly remember asking my dad to play a game with me after dinner one evening. However, he and his partner had started an architectural firm and it frequently required long workdays. Often, he would come home to eat dinner with the family and then return to his office to meet a deadline on a design project.

This one particular evening, my dad said he had to return to work, but he offered to bring me back a treat.  He asked me what I would like.

I knew that a “7 Eleven type store” near his workplace stayed open very late. Near the entrance of the store was a gum machine that showcased rings sparingly nestled among the gumballs. I decided to ask BIG. I asked for one of those rings with the sparkly stones! [Read more…]