Christmas is the time of year we all
think about gifts and the holiday season. This brought the thought to mind of
the gift I remember most from my childhood. It happened it was not a Christmas
gift, but a birthday gift as I recall.
As with most kids, I had been given
gifts of toys, a BB gun that was my treasure, and assorted other normal fare.
Times were tough for the family but they always managed to find enough
resources to provide gifts for my sister and me. Most were quickly forgotten
but one stuck with me to this day.
I came into the kitchen and Mom told me
Grandma had brought over a gift for me. There, sitting on the table, was a
small plant. Mom said Grandma had “started” the plant for me for my birthday.
It had wide green leaves and for some reason I was taken with it and can
picture it to this day. Why a ten year old kid thought so much of this gift I
will never know but I did. I doubt I even took care of it but it was mine, and
my Grandma, who had quite a “green thumb”, had started the plant from “a slip.”
I assumed and still do that meant from some sort of cutting.
That proves to me it is not the gift
that counts so much as the thought. I will probably always remember Grandma’s
gift.
I know most people really dislike
having things they write put up for scrutiny by readers. That being said, if
any of you have any stories of special gifts you would like to share, please
send them to the Pride email address. This is the season for sharing and all
would love to hear your story. Think of it as just telling your story to a
friend. Getting people to do this is like pulling teeth but please consider
sharing your story.
Ken Dillenburg