I was really touched by an article I read in the Chicago Tribune last year. “The Gifts that Stay With Us for a Lifetime” was a collection of stories about ‘gifts’ and their lasting effect. You may remember I blogged about the article and requested people share their memories.

I ran THREE days worth of gift-laden blogs. Sharing sentimental, touching, humorous stories about Thanks, Gifts, and Giving. In a year like the one we’ve had, are having, continue to have, I think it’d be great to share more positivity through personal tales.

I want YOU to share YOUR stories. What ‘gift’ (present, object, lesson, etc) were you given that ‘impacted’ your life (with a purpose, lasting memory, influential feeling, etc)? If you need guidance or inspiration, click on the highlighted text above and you will be taken to the original posts.

Here’s another one of mine:
I was recently going through a box of ‘keeper stuff’– newspaper articles, old photos, Christmas cards, etc, and I found a post card dated September 1975. It was sent from my mom to a close friend and mentor. The card thanked Mrs. Pike for the plants and mentioned she’d taken them to school.

“They really brighten up my room, but I don’t know what they are! Especially the one with tiny purple flowers. I think that’s my favorite.”

My mom goes on to mention how glad she is that the tests came back negative. She expects only a few more months of treatment.

She died just short of a year following the postmark of that card.

I remember when Mrs. Pike gave me that note. It was in an envelope with a collection of photos. She hesitated to include it because, well, we all know how the story ended, but she wanted me to have that little peek into my mom’s personality. She said that although she had been thanked in person for the plants, she really appreciated my mom taking the time to write and send a card.

I’m grateful she shared this example of my mom’s gratitude with me. It’s the best kind of ‘regift’. Mrs. Pike passed away several years ago. I wish I had asked her what the tiny purple flower plant was. I think it might be my favorite, too.

Your turn to share a Gifts and Gratitude story. They can be as long or short as you need. Send your story in the body of an email to LiteraryMary@comcast.net by December 21, 2020. Accompanying photos are welcome, as well. I plan to publish the collection the last week of December. Let’s wrap up this year with positive reflections.

Thank you.