It's my birthday today. I was a sort of holiday gift to my Mom, I guess. She never really put it that way. But she did work hard to make sure my birthday was disambiguated from Christmas, only a week later. Decades later, my family knows to wrap my birthday present in birthday present paper, not Christmas wrapping. It's not a big deal, I know, and yet, it is.
My sister-in-law has a knack for finding things for me that I always love. Small things--a pair of unique earrings, a lovely jewelry bag, small tokens of the love we share for each other. She's an amazing woman, full of enthusiasm and laughter, and I consider her finding my little brother and marrying him one of the best gifts I ever got.
The first Christmas after my mother died was rough--at least I think it was. I can't really remember anything from that time. But in later years, whenever the three of us kids could work out our schedules to be with Dad and each other at Christmas--that was all the gift I ever wanted. Laughing late into the night with my brothers and their wives, and much later on, their children. To know that I love and am loved. The gifts are stand-ins, tokens, symbols, not the thing itself. Objective correlatives, as my learned MFA instructors taught me to say.
We're going light on presents this year, because we bought a house and well, the insurance and the property tax and whatnot take a little getting used to. Next year we'll budget and spend it all, no doubt. But this year it's the gifts we already have that really count. Like a safe home, a good job, and a love stronger than the stiff-necked pride that both my husband and I occasionally suffer from.
This year, I have the best holiday gift ever. The wisdom to look around and see how crazy lucky I am. Much love and many thanks to everyone. Please have a safe and warm holiday break!
Today? Monday? Wish I could send a cake, Mysti! I do send *best* wishes for a great day and even better 2013!
Posted by: camille minichino | December 17, 2012 at 10:46 AM
Thanks, Camille! I consider knowing you one of my favorite gifts, so no worries on the cake. Just keep writing!!!!
Posted by: Mysti | December 17, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Mysti, you've highlighted all the things that are so important this time of year, especially family. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Staci | December 17, 2012 at 02:05 PM
Happy birthday, Mysti. I think we make our luck, so good on you for making your good luck. (You surprised me by showing up in Michael's seat today - made me wonder if I got the schedule wrong! )
Posted by: Susan Shea | December 17, 2012 at 09:37 PM
Happy birthday, Mysti... I'm a little late with the well wishes, but they come from the heart. :-)
Posted by: Ann | December 18, 2012 at 11:09 PM
Thank Ann! From a writer with such a big heart, that means a lot!
Posted by: Mysti Berry | December 20, 2012 at 05:52 AM