When this subject was given out, I started going through my memory, trying to think of what thing I had been given that was truly unique. It was with a shock that I realized that I couldn’t even remember most of the gifts that have come my way. I can usually look at something and know who gave it to me, but there is little emotional attachment. What a self-centered, ungrateful person!
OK, maybe I should come at it differently.
I remembered the year that my siblings and I put our allowances together to get my mother a soup tureen. She said she wanted one and I think she liked it, but it was the conspiracy among my brother and sisters that made the gift special. The gift we gave was better than any I got.
Last Saturday, my daughter gave me the best present of the year. She sent me an e-mail telling me that she was safe and warm and living in a country with strict gun control. Now, my daughter is all grown up and knows that I know she was nowhere near Connecticut. But she also knows that her mother is totally neurotic and the first thing I would think of would be, is MY baby safe? I am so grateful that she knows me so well and took the time to tell me everything was fine with her rather than laughing at my worry.
Friends, fun, surprising acts of thoughtfulness, these are the presents I treasure most in my memory.
A new baby in the family – especially if not mine, is a wonderful gift.
This year a special present was to be part of a fun party in honor of the 200th birthday of Dickens (There, I brought this back to something literary). It’s not the sort of thing I would do normally but I shall always be glad that, as Mrs. Fezziwig, I got to cut the plum pudding.
May you all get the best presents ever this year and, as Tiny Tim observed, “God bless us, everyone.”
Nice blog, Sharon. Was Edwin Drood at the party by any chance? I was wondering what happened to him.
Posted by: Michael A. Black | December 21, 2012 at 09:23 AM
I share your gratitude that your daughter is somewhere safe, Sharan.
Posted by: Priscilla | December 21, 2012 at 02:27 PM
Babies at Christmas... My daughter just missed that mark, but barely. :-) Glad that your daughter is safe and all is well. Love the dress, btw!
Posted by: Ann | December 21, 2012 at 06:54 PM