Admin

December Challenge: Gift Ideas Part Two

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with eXp Commercial, Referral Divison RRE-BRO-LIC-75443

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 and Carol Williams are co-hosting a December challenge for ActiveRain members called ActiveRain Holiday Gift Challenge. Our goal is to share gift ideas for the person who has all the material items they could possible need OR we could talk about the most unique gift we have ever received. I already entered my ideas for the first part of the challenge, but I thought of something specific for the second part. So I am sharing one of the most treasured gifts I received. This is not for points, just for sharing.

My mother dealt with cancer the last four years of her life with an upbeat attitude, joking about leaving the house and forgetting to bring her hair or consistently finding the best about the situation. When one treatment option wasn't working, she'd try another, and then another, with an "OK, what's next?" attitude. Unfortunately after four years, she was told there was nothing left to try. At that point she stopped all medication and within a week or two was on oxygen and had hospice at home. So what did she do with the time she had left? The same as always.

It was late November 2011 at this point. So what she decided to do was to make a point of purchasing us all our last Christmas present. She wanted us to remember her which of course was silly because of course we would with or without a last gift. But this was important to her. So for me, she purchased me a coffee cup with a lid which is pictured in the feature photo. Now, what she must have forgotten is that I am a klutz with coffee cups, breaking them quite frequently. So I have been using this cup for the last 13 years as a place to hold my makeup. So every morning I can look at the cup she lovingly selected for me, remember her, and also make sure not to break it.

But my mom didn't stop there. She also wrote each of her family members a handwritten letter. Her letter to me talked about me being her first born, and about what I was like during my childhood, and how she felt about my life as an adult. It was a beautiful letter that makes me smile and cry every time I read it. I treasure it.

So why am I sharing this? Because when I think back on all the gifts I've ever received, it's not jewelry or clothing or anything else that pops into my mind first. It's a $5 cup and a piece of paper with writing on it. And both of those were my mom giving me love. So, when giving gifts to those you care about, give them love. Perhaps grab a piece of paper and a pen and let them know how much you care about them. Or buy them a small carefully selected item that they might use on a daily basis, smiling because it's from you. Because really, it truly is the thought that counts. Let that thought be love.

Merry Christmas.

 

Posted by

Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside and Somers areas. 

Are you getting ready to sell or purchase land or a home in Kalispell  or the surrounding vicinity? Let’s talk!

Facebook | LinkedIn
About Me
My Blog
theHouseKat.com
Email Me

(406) 270-3667
CALL OR TEXT

KAT PALMIOTTI, BROKER

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Kat, Your mom was so great to write handwritten notes to family and also to give you this special cup and sure you look at lots and smile.

 

Dec 17, 2024 12:46 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Will Hamm !

Dec 17, 2024 01:22 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

A mom's love is ever after and truly special, Kat. Thanks for sharing the special memories that continue to carry you through every day. I'm not crying, you're crying!

Dec 17, 2024 01:14 PM
Kat Palmiotti

❤️

Dec 17, 2024 01:22 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

How fitting it is that you will never forget the last gift that your Mom gave to you.

Dec 17, 2024 01:50 PM
Kat Palmiotti

John Juarez - never is right.

Dec 17, 2024 02:43 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kat Palmiotti it is not the cost of a gift that makes a gift special, it is the person who gave it and the reason for giving it.  The gift from your mother did not have much of a monetary value, but I am sure to you there is no monetary value that can be placed on it.

Dec 17, 2024 02:16 PM
Kat Palmiotti

So true George Souto 

Dec 17, 2024 02:43 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Kat, that cup would be my favorite gift also, and what a memory to have of your mom.

Dec 17, 2024 03:49 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Joan Cox - Thank you!

Dec 17, 2024 05:52 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Kat - while I have seen mugs with covers/lids on them before, your thoughtful post made me wonder if there was some symbolism I might be missing beyond the obvious.  A quick online search led me to some answers I guessed as well as that beyond its physical attributes, it symbolizes routine and consistency in a chaotic world

Dec 17, 2024 04:06 PM
Kat Palmiotti

I did not know that Michael Jacobs !

Dec 17, 2024 05:53 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Kat Palmiotti  loved your post and it is not about the money it is about the memories and you so eloquently shared about your mom... I have similar stories about my parents and no one can convince me to throw them away, Endre

Dec 17, 2024 09:59 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Endre Barath, Jr. - keep those mementos!

Dec 18, 2024 04:51 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Kat, that final gift must be truly priceless. A treasure like that and the endearing letter you are so lucky to have!

Dec 18, 2024 06:14 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400  - I do feel lucky

Dec 18, 2024 07:01 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Aww, your Mom sounds like such a wonderful woman.  It makes me sad to know that she had to deal with cancer.

Dec 18, 2024 06:41 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Brian England - Cancer is a terrible thing. My dad died of cancer also. Grrrrr

Dec 18, 2024 07:01 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

The greatest gift given to me was seeing my boy succeed. I watched him graduate college with a perfect 4.0 GPA and get a job 10 miles from my house. Those 'gifts" of his hard work made my heart warm.

Dec 18, 2024 07:16 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Excellent Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty !

Dec 18, 2024 09:55 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Kat.

I hope all is going well for you this week.

Happy Holidays!

Dec 18, 2024 08:45 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Roy and Happy Holidays to you too!

Dec 18, 2024 09:54 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Kat:

What a truly thoughtful, heartfelt and memorable gift from your Mom before she died that you will always treasure. I think using the mug in a way it's less likely to break is a terrific idea.

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season and creating some fond memories!

Jeff

Dec 18, 2024 11:22 AM
Kat Palmiotti

I wish the same for you Jeff Dowler, CRS !

Dec 18, 2024 02:06 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

This entry was a joy to read, and I am happy to see it featured.

—What a role model you have, and such beautiful memories of your beautiful, strong Mother!

Dec 18, 2024 06:27 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 !

Dec 18, 2024 06:38 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Thank you for sharing this beautiful, personnel story Kat Palmiotti . I need to get mine out there and you gave me a wonderful idea.

Dec 19, 2024 08:50 AM
Kat Palmiotti

I look forward to reading yours Bob "RealMan" Timm 

Dec 19, 2024 09:19 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Kat Palmiotti . I've written most of it, immediately after reading yours, but I need to take a good picture before I post it.

Dec 19, 2024 11:03 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Thanks for writing this beautiful story about the love your Mom conveyed into gifting you a coffee mug with a lid. It was fun to read Michael Jacobs 's find of symbolism in it, too. I keep a treasure box with cards and letters, and gifts from the heart I have received, and look at the items at special times. So much sentiment and thought in those gifts. 

Dec 20, 2024 07:56 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Steffy Hristova - oh yes, there are certain gifts that just warm our hearts.

Dec 20, 2024 11:33 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Kat Palmiotti your mother was a beautiful and very thoughtful woman. Who knew a simple coffee cup with a lid and handwritten letters for you and your siblings would be the best gift you received? Selfish, she was not. I see you as having those same qualities. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful life.  

Dec 21, 2024 04:24 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you much Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP - I wish you a very Merry Christmas and wonderful life also!

Dec 21, 2024 04:35 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Kat- what a special post. What a lovely gift your mother gave your family...gifts that are still treasured today.  You're spot on about giving from the heart. Those are the best gifts we can give. Well done, Ms Kat!!!!

Dec 21, 2024 11:13 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Kathy Streib ! Enjoy your weekend!

Dec 21, 2024 12:19 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Your mother's gift was priceless and so beautiful in many ways It really is the little things that bring so much joy in our lives. Your mother was evidently a remarkable woman! Thank you for sharing this lovely gift with us.

Dec 22, 2024 01:29 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you for your comment Debra Leisek . I appreciate it!

Dec 22, 2024 05:05 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

What a beautiful gift from your Mom!  That must be comforting to have and think of her.  Thank you so much for sharing her story.  The gift of remembering you as a child and now is surely a treasure!

Dec 27, 2024 11:18 AM
Kat Palmiotti

It sure is Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ - thank you.

Dec 27, 2024 11:34 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

When I clicked "like", I wished there was a "love" to click instead.

What a beautiful post. I cried reading it (my dad died in September) and I imagine you cried writing it. 

A beautiful message for all of us.

Dec 28, 2024 08:34 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Sharon Tara - awww, thank you. I admit I did.

Dec 28, 2024 10:53 AM