Day 367
Today, while visiting Oxbow to read with first graders, one adorable little girl came forward with a toy for Ranger! I couldn't believe it...and neither could Ranger! He kept that gift right beside him at the school and wouldn't share with his sister and brothers when he arrived at home! Thank you, sweet Charlotte! You are amazing!
Giving and receiving gifts is an age-old tradition. Historically, it dates back to the Roman Empire! I absolutely love to shop for that special gift for friends and family and even have a Christmas Countdown calendar that tells me there are only 220 more shopping days...I better get busy!
In my past, I have received many lovely presents from equally lovely friends and family. For example, I have become a collector or teddy bears and display my special ones with the givers name on a thread spool around the bear's neck. I love those bears! I truly do!
My wonderful husband once bought me one of those gigantic bears from Costco! We managed to stuff it into the Subaru, but at least one appendage was flapping out the window! What a sight that must have been! When guests come to the house, they often ask to see "The Judge" ( who lives up in the studio) and have even been known to take photos in his lap!
My family met a young man from Germany, who was working at EPCOT back in 2000. We exchanged information and he soon became part of the family. Along with our dear Swen, we became close to his parents when they would come to Walt Disney World. His dear mother, Juta, became a very special friend indeed!
Years went by and the friendship deepened...even though we were across the world from one another. We were all stunned when Juta was diagnosed with cancer and quickly passed before we could reunite. When I first heard the news, I purchased two Steiff teddy bears and sent one to her while keeping mine close to my heart. One day, my German son, Swen, called to tell me that his mother had died. There were many tears across the ocean and I remember feeling so helpless. Swen then shared that she had her Steiff teddy bear on the bed with her when she passed. Mine is never far away from me and I always feel the love we shared when I look into his eyes.
Gifts can be special for a moment or a lifetime. The ones I cherish the most have been given to me by "lifetime People". Holding those gifts in my hands allows me to feel close to those loved ones and helps me to remember how special the giver is to me in my life.
Yes, gifts can be much more than a little something in a pretty package. They can be the "Stuff" of true memories of the heart!
