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Treasured and Cherished Christmas Gifts Received | AR Challenge

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with KD Realty - 408.972.1822 CA DRE#01366594

The most unique and treasured gift I have ever received is the Gift of my son's life. I recently shared that doctors have described him as a "Miracle Baby."  Following an emergency surgery, I was told I would not be able to have children. 

That little surprise bundle of Joy is the gift that keeps on giving.  My son knows me well and knows what is special to me.

My two most treasured gifts are from my son. 

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People who get to know me, even just a little, know Half Moon Bay is my happy place on earth.  I believe it was 15 years ago he gave me a framed photo of the stairs leading down to the beach off the trail at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. 

This cherished Christmas gift brought me to tears.  So much thought and consideration went into it.  He said, "Mom, I know how much you love it there." Gosh, I am tearing up as I write this. I am feeling and experiencing that moment all over again. Indeed, there is deep personal meaning in the gift. It is a gift that hangs on my office wall and lives in my heart.

*************

The other cherished Christmas gift is a framed photo of Goleta Beach, Campus Point.  My son wrote a heartfelt message on the back of the photo thanking me for allowing him to attend the University of Santa Barbara. He shared how much he loved spending time at Campus Point because it is so beautiful and peaceful, and it was a great place to read, do homework, and reflect on life. 

*************

But Wait! There's More!

I treasure so many gifts I have received over the years.  The photo below hangs on my living room wall. It is a treasured Christmas Gift I received from an ActiveRain friend. The note read: You said you do not have colorful trees in your area. I hope you enjoy this one.  

Another Christmas Gift I cherish and treasure is from an ActiveRain friend. I use this blanket nearly every day.  Notice the personalization with my name.  


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But Wait! There's More!

The Gift of Humor & Gag Gifts: I cannot describe how hard I laughed and how long it took me to figure out who sent this. It was not a Christmas Gift. Yet, I just had to share. I will confess it was someone in the ActiveRain Community. No, I will not disclose who sent it. 

What a Flipping Hoot! 

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To wrap this up (pun intended) when I give gifts, I like them to be personal, something I know the receiver will like, enjoy, and appreciate. 

The best gift for me to give is the gift of an experience, and/or the gift of time spent and shared.  Gifts that come wrapped from the Heart are the best! 

Life is a precious and limited Gift.
Time is a precious and limited Gift. 
💗💗💗

Entry in the December 2024 ActiveRain Holiday Gift Challenge hosted by Carol Williams and Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. Thank you for hosting. 

 

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Probate Real Estate Services
San Jose Real Estate Website

    

DRE#01366594

I specialize in probate real estate.
As a Certified Probate
Real Estate Specialist
my focus is on helping Executors and Administrators
avoid headaches
before they start.

“From the moment we met Kathleen, we were impressed with her professionalism, knowledge, patience, respect, humor, attention to detail, and compassion.  She's the Whole Package ~ excellent agent and wonderful human being!  In a potentially stressful experience, we have felt in good hands all along.  We are so grateful and recommend her without hesitation!”

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Comments(16)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Kathleen... all of your paintings are gorgeous. And isn't it wonderful to have art like that that also has a deeper meaning? You have a truly thoughtful son who loves you.

Dec 10, 2024 11:46 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

It sure is wonderful MIss Nina Hollander, Broker - I think of the people every time I see them.  Thank you for your comment.

Dec 10, 2024 03:18 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathleen the Trump coffee cup might have been intended as a gag gift, but it is very appropriate given the battle you had with cancer.

Dec 10, 2024 12:06 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Oh, I so agree with you on my battle with cancer.  Never give up - never surrender George Souto 

Thank you for your comment.

Dec 10, 2024 03:19 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good afternoon Kathleen. Sometimes you greatest gift needs a bit of promotion in Bananatudes. Congrats!

Dec 10, 2024 01:29 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

 

Thank you, Wayne Martin for the Tude promotion.  Much Appreciated! 

Dec 10, 2024 03:19 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Kathleen,

I loved your post..what a thoughtful son you have raised! I love the art work hanging in your home. You are right Time and life is a limited gift so enjoy every minute you have!

Dec 10, 2024 02:20 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

It is so easy to fall into taking life for granted Miss Dorie Dillard Austin TX. I practice daily appreciation for my life and the time I have left here - which remains an unknown. 

Thank you for your comment.

Dec 10, 2024 03:21 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Your entry into this month's contest is beautiful. I love all the lovely and thoughtful gifts from your beautiful son. Thanks so much for sharing, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 

Dec 10, 2024 03:19 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Thank you for hosting, Miss Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 

Dec 10, 2024 04:40 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Miss Kathleen 💕 You truly have captured the beauty of 'Gift From the Heart"!  The photos from your son are priceless indeed!  And what it says to me is that he learned from you, the gift of nature, beauty and the ocean. Oh I can hear those waves as I type. and somehow just that calms me  down.  The sofa throw is fabulous......love it.  And of course my hero's cup Never Surrender- we both know all about that!  Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful post......Christmas Spirit Abounds 🎄

Dec 10, 2024 03:51 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello Miss Anna "Banana" Kruchten I would like to believe he did learn a little from me 🙃.  

OMG - that mug.  Can you image my laughter and wonderment - who on earth sent this!?  So much fun! 

Merry Christmas, my friend. 

Dec 10, 2024 04:39 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Kathleen - you wrapped a lot of fond memories into this post. It is nicely tied together.   All in all, the entire package is quite the present.  

Dec 10, 2024 04:49 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I like your creativity, Michael Jacobs 

You are truly gifted and a gift to this Community. 

Dec 11, 2024 08:48 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

You did not have to make us tear up Kathleen. You got me at MIRACLE BABY! Jeff

Dec 10, 2024 05:51 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Imagine all of our surprises Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI - God has a plan. 

 

Dec 11, 2024 08:49 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Kathleen- I love how much you love your son, and how close you are. Your thoughtfulness has been passed on to him. From what I know of you, the saying on the mug suits you well, Formidable is anoher word that comes to mind. 

Dec 10, 2024 07:53 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello, Kathy Streib thank you for your kind words.  I know others have a much different word for me (LOL). That mug still cracks me up. 

Dec 11, 2024 08:51 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

OMG loved the post and it got dusty here in my home office as I read your post, but gratefully when I got to the last photo it cleared things up and I was laughing so hard tears were coming out of my eyer:) I have to share a photo I received as a gift many years ago, it was a wine glass:)Endre

Dec 10, 2024 10:22 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

And I am cracking up reading that you were laughing so hard Endre Barath, Jr. - I've never used that mug.  I have no plans to use it. It just sits there in my kitchen. I look forward to seeing the wine glass you received years ago. 

Dec 11, 2024 08:53 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Amazing gifts for sure and your son should know what you like as much or more than anyone else!

Dec 11, 2024 04:20 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I agree Brian England - he listens, pays attention, and he cares. Those characteristics alone are a gift.  

Thank you for your comment. 

Dec 11, 2024 08:54 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 
What wonderful examples of personalized gifts! Your son is so thoughtful with those gifts, but the personalized message makes them even more special.

I am not surprised to hear of special gifts from AR friends. I, too, have been the recipient of some unexpected surprises. This community is so unique and special.

Have a wonderful Christmas, Kathleen.

Dec 12, 2024 06:00 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

 

There is a special kind of love here in the AR Community, Miss Carol Williams 

Dec 13, 2024 08:15 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Half Moon Bay is one of my favorite spots as well, Kathleen.  More specifically, Princeton-by-the-Sea, which has actually been gobbled up by Half Moon Bay.  My dad used to spend hours there, while fishing off party boats.

Dec 12, 2024 04:15 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

My father chartered one of the Gardener's fishing boats out of Princeton. I was the first mate. So many fond memories which may be why that is my special place on earth, Myrl Jeffcoat 

Indeed it has changed ... large corporations buying land, erecting hotels. etc.  

Dec 13, 2024 08:19 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Kathleen, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Clubgroup!  

Dec 12, 2024 04:16 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Thank you for the Feature, Myrl Jeffcoat much appreciated. 

Dec 13, 2024 08:19 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

@kathleen - so wonderful to have a great relationship with your son. That is a gift in itself! Happy, healthy New Year - Lynn

Dec 19, 2024 09:00 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I agree, Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 - the God Lord blessed me beyond measure with my son.  

Jan 01, 2025 03:19 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathleen stopping by to wish you a very Happy and Blessed New Year.

Jan 01, 2025 02:43 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello George Souto - thank you for stopping by. 

Happy New Year 🍾🥂

May the new year bring you joy, good health, and countless blessings. 

 

Jan 01, 2025 03:20 PM