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Christmas Gift Challenges Through The Years

By
Commercial Real Estate Agent with Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. 0516472

 

One never knows when the last day will come, and I feel no one is ever prepared for the final curtain.

The gift of wonderful people in your life is a cherished memory for those who really loved you no matter how rebellious or outspoken you may have been in your lifetime.

Ode to Mom who was the glue that kept the family together.  Her favorite time of year was the holidays.  She so enjoyed family dinners and Christmas gatherings that lasted for entire weekends as we aged.

As Mom aged her vision declined so what is one of the better gifts: a big screen TV of course!  Wrapping was challenging, ugly and made you wonder what it could be.

Mom had enjoyed a full life as one of six children in her family.  She married my father who was also one of six in his family.  Before the advent of airline travel, we spent alternate weekends visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mom was employed by TWA and traveled.  We experienced so many journeys together.  I must have sailed at least a dozen times on Princess Cruises.

In February 2017 we cruised for the final time together on MSC to the Caribbean surprising my cousin and her husband on this themed journey with Irish musicians. 

In May we began remodeling Mom's condo which took 4 months.  It was just in time to evacuate as Hurricane Irma made a destructive appearance here in Hallandale Beach, FL. 

No one knew exactly where the hurricane was headed so we packed the car, filled the gas tank and began another adventure, destination unknown. A week in advance versus last minute bumper to bumper traffic.  Remember, it takes 6 hours just to travel from metro Fort Lauderdale to the top of Florida.

We ended up in Murphy, North Carolina!  A beautiful town with a wonderful steak house and a casino a mile down the road.  Treating an evacuation like a vacation is always recommended.  We also made an appearance in Cherokee, NC on the return trip.  We visited relatives along the coast as well before reaching home.

Christmas shopping for physically challenged folks is a daunting task.  No hustle Bussel with hordes of people bumping into you at malls permitted.  This was to be a QVC moment in time.

For me, it is a lasting treasure as Mom did not live beyond Thanksgiving Day 2017.  This a good luck elephant, trunk up, ring holder I will cherish forever.  Of course, it arrived after Mom's passing, in the mail which made it more special to me.

The most important gift you can give people is your time.  Create memories together that last a lifetime.

 

 

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Show All Comments Sort:
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 that was a great way to spend the last few months of your mother's life.  Even though the time was short, the memory will last a lifetime.

Dec 01, 2024 10:11 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

George Souto Memories made😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:50 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Beautiful entry and I do believe, the first one of the December contest. I loved reading about your mom, your relatives, treating an evacuation as a vacation and all your travels! Well done, Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 

Dec 01, 2024 10:39 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 thanks from my well traveled friend😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:51 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Eileen Burns 954.483.3912, for sharing such heartfelt reflections! Your tribute to your mom and the importance of creating lasting memories truly resonates, reminding us all of the precious gifts that time and love can bring.

Dec 01, 2024 11:33 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

Lew Corcoran you are welcome.  time can never be recaptured😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:52 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

This is a wonderful message of joy and love.  As we mature, our gift needs get smaller, and the appreciation is always the company of loved ones. 

Dec 01, 2024 01:22 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

Agreed Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:53 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Eileen,

I love the message in your post. We never know when the final curtain closes so it's good to spend time with your family and friends. My granddaughters flew in from NYC for thanksgiving and I tried to spend as much time with them as I could! One has flown back and the other is here until Tuesday when she has to fly to LA on business. She, my daughter and I are going to see Wicked the movie tomorrow night. One last chance to send time with her for awhile!

Dec 01, 2024 02:49 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

happy moments in time Dorie Dillard Austin TX 😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:53 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 Eileen,
Look at you being the first entry into our Challenge. And, what better way to start than to remind us all that our time is the most precious gift we can give our loved ones?

Dec 01, 2024 04:04 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

Agreed Carol Williams 😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:54 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

What beautiful memories Eileen. The white elephant symbolizes gift giving and your Mom. My mother also always made Christmas special. She loved candles at Christmas and the magic they represented. Jeff

Dec 01, 2024 07:17 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

memories made Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI 😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:54 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Vacationing when hurricane's are coming to town makes sense but also seems like it could get expensive, haha.  I am sure your Mom enjoyed the big screen tv!

Dec 02, 2024 03:59 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

Indeed, Mom did and was truly surprised at the size of the screen Brian England You cannot take the money with you so you may as well spend it

Dec 02, 2024 05:55 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Eileen - time is a challenge.  Making it an opportunity to experience an adventure may be a gift that is to be treasured.  In the moment and for much longer.  

Dec 02, 2024 04:33 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912

Living in the moment Michael Jacobs 😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:56 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Time with our loved ones is definitely the best gift ever.

Dec 02, 2024 05:14 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Agreed Kat Palmiotti 😎

Dec 02, 2024 05:56 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Eileen... loved your story. And you hit the nail on the head... the best gift for people we care about is the gift of our time.

Dec 02, 2024 06:53 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 Good choice, and an elephant with a trunk up!  This will always bring the memory of your mom and the last trip how very special 

Dec 02, 2024 10:53 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing some of your fond memories of your mother.

Happy Holidays!

Dec 08, 2024 11:15 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you for sharing heartfelt memories of you mom, your travels and a lasting gift.  It's great that you have those memories with her.  Happy Holidays!

Dec 27, 2024 12:07 PM