For many years, at Christmas time when my family got together to celebrate, we would exchange gifts. Then as our family began to grow, it became more and more difficult for some of the family members to buy gifts becasue there were so many to buy for, and for some it was a financial impossibility. We made it a practice several years ago to stop that tradition. We wanted to be able to enjoy the get together. We wanted to enjoy the time we had without worrying about spending too much money, money that some did not have. My Father also felt compelled to give gifts, because this was something they always enjoyed doing when our Mother was alive. For the past few years we told our Father that we would prefer that he not buy everyone gifts. If he felt as though he had to, then we encouraged him to focus on the children only. As adults, we understood that he could not really afford to spend the excess money. For the past two years he finally took our advice. So now he enjoys buying things for the little ones. For his Children he did something very special. The other year when he began handing out gifts for us, we looked at him and scolded him. "I thought we had an understanding?" He scolded us back, smiled and said, "I know what we agreed on. Just open your gifts." When we opened our gifts we were all amazed, and thrilled beyond measure. He lovingly wrapped up items that belonged to his Parents and passed them on to us. My Wife received a few old broaches that belonged to my Grandmother. For me, he gave me my Grandfather's New Testament that he received as a young man. It had his name written in the inside cover, and was dated 1915. My Father had no idea how much that gift meant to me. As most of you probably realize, I am very sentimental when it comes to family, especially since I am getting older. This will be a treasured gift that I will one day pass on to my Son. My Dad was always very strict while we were growing up, but through the years, and especially since my Mother passed away in1999, we have been seeing what we believe is his true character. He is a changed Man. For some reason, he had it hidden all these years.
What a wonderful idea! I know that these gifts will be treasured much more than anything that you could ever buy. I have tears in my eyes....just thinking about this. Priceless.
What an amazing story and a beautiful gift. This photo is a perfect addition to your project and I'm so happy you shared its story with us. You know, those are the best gifts - priceless gifts that no amount of money can buy.
You have definitely captured the spirit of the season. True giving comes from the heart and this family heirloom will continue to provide pleasure and comfort daily through the generations of your family.
I know how you feel, Rick. Somehow, as I get older, these things that belonged to my parents are such a treasure to me. My aunt sent me some old photos today - there's one of my parents when they were dating. I'm so grateful to have it. Savor the moments with your dad. You know how special they are. Wonderful story and photo, Mr. Rick.
Such a beautiful story Rick, thanks for sharing with us. May be because I lost my dad and my mum is getting old, got tears in my eyes reading you. This is fabulous and your picture is a wonderful tribute.
What wonderful priceless gifts. Your dad really did a terrific thing. I agree, that as we get older these things mean so much. Thanks for sharing the story and the photo.
to be honest not even when I was a kid I really cared much about the gifts I always hot the the with my family, my father, my mother, and all my relatives was the most in important thing in my life, I always got so happy to see everybody together and that was really enough to me.
What a great post and present you got .
:-)
What a great post and present you got .