Fortunes disappear. Material possessions wear out, break down, get stolen or lost. But there are some things we can keep forever that give meaning to our lives and happiness to our hearts.
These are our memories.
When I asked my oldest son what he wanted for Christmas this year, he said he's come to realize that experiences are more precious than any possessions. So to him this year, I give these memories of experiences we've shared:
Dear Kenyon,
I've always loved going on a walk with you - just the two of us. Remember the time we woke at dawn to collect seashells on the beach at Sanibel Island? We found sand dollars and tiny conch shells and discovered a baby hammerhead shark in a tide pool.
When you grew up, you took me on a walk down a trail to the Pacific at Muir Woods. Another time, we spent a perfect day wandering up and down the streets exploring the shops in Carmel.
I remember our road trips before the days of DVD players. We saved the newest Judy Blume book to read aloud as we headed from Michigan to Florida for spring break one year. Peter always reminded me of you and your little brother was definitely Fudge!
I remember waking at 4 AM on December 25th just a few years ago to catch an early flight to Denver, where you'd recently been transferred. That's the year I gave myself a precious gift. You met us at the airport and on Christmas morning I was filled with joy when you introduced me to your son and I cradled the firstborn child of my firstborn child in my arms.
We shared a wonderful day this past summer with your brothers and sister, white water rafting down an icy cold mountain stream, creating new memories as we raced.
My gift to you, my son, isn't wrapped in shiny paper.
It's in every seashell you pick up on a beach, every book you open with anticipation, every hour you spend walking hand in hand with your own children...it's a treasure trove of Memories, growing larger with each passing year.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Mom
This year I'm Giving Gifts From My Soul for the 12 Days of Christmas- Day 1: Laughter
This Year I'm Giving Gifts From My Soul For the 12 Days of Christmas - Day 2: Attention
This Year I'm Giving Gifts From My Soul For the 12 Days of Christmas - Day 3: Creativity
This Year I'm Giving Gifts From My Soul For the 12 Days of Christmas - Day 4: Forgiveness
This Year I'm Giving Gifts From My Soul For the 12 Days of Christmas - Day 5: Roots
This Year I'm Giving Gifts From My Soul For the 12 Days of Christmas - Day 6: Tradition
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