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A Christmas Gift Full of Meaning

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Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

This Christmas, a deeply touching memory surfaced as I reflected on a gift exchanged between my son and grandson, Hudson. The gift was the book Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a timeless parable about self-discovery, personal growth, and the courage to follow one’s passions.

This wasn’t just any book—it was a cherished copy that Geno, my late husband and Hudson’s beloved PawPaw, had given to my son in 1992. Inside the cover, Geno had penned a heartfelt message that sparked many conversations about the profound idea: “We can all be so much more than we believe or are given to believe.”

Yesterday, during a visit to my son’s home, Hudson proudly showed me the book and shared how his dad had given it to him this Christmas. They plan to read it together, continuing the dialogue Geno started all those years ago. Seeing this generational connection brought a flood of memories about Geno’s gifts—always thoughtful, heartfelt, and deeply meaningful.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull was one of Geno’s favorite books because it resonated with his belief in the importance of self-discovery, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and having the courage to follow one’s individuality and aspirations. He lived by these principles and shared them generously through his words, actions, and teachings.

It warms my heart to see my son carrying forward Geno’s legacy, not just in the gift itself but in the intention behind it. By passing this book to Hudson and keeping the conversations alive, my son honors the lessons Geno instilled in all of us—lessons that live on in our hearts and continue to inspire the next generation.

I’m reminded that love, wisdom, and family bonds transcend time. Geno’s legacy remains vibrant, connecting us and guiding us, even as we carry on without him.

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Show All Comments Sort:
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Dorie Dillard Austin TX  That was truly a gift of the heart and a very wise choice 

Happy New Year my Friend 

Dec 29, 2024 11:46 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Dorie Dillard Austin TX, for sharing such a heartfelt reflection on the gift of love and wisdom in your family's tradition. Your tribute to Geno and the lasting impact of meaningful connections is truly inspiring!

Dec 29, 2024 12:19 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Nice Dorie. Another children/adult book that is a classic is "The Giving Tree" by Shel Siverstein. A classic. Jeff

Dec 29, 2024 12:41 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Dorie Dillard Austin TX an excellent heartfelt a Christmas gift full of meaning. Merry Christmas, & Happy New Year.

Dec 29, 2024 01:06 PM
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

I never got that kind of conversation with my dad or even my step dad.  Many attempts were made with my sons, but I do have that kind of conversations with my grandsons.  When something isn't instilled in us, we have to start somewhere.  Glad to read about those memories being treasured, embraced and carried on. 

Dec 29, 2024 01:16 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie maybe someday Hudson will pass the book on to his son.

Dec 29, 2024 01:33 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Dorie - although it's been several years decades since I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull, I do recall it as a memorable story.  Your post serves as a reminder that some stories are worthy of a revisit.  

Dec 29, 2024 03:17 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Wow, whar a most special gift to be shared between father and son and then once again through generations, Dorie! Geno remains in the hearts of all of you through timeless memories.

Dec 29, 2024 05:29 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dorie- this is a Hallmark Movie beautiful post!!!  Now there is one more reason why I wish I'd known Geno. talk about leaving a legacy. This is it!!! I have a feeling your Geno is smiling from above when he sees this go from him to your son and now to Hudson. 

Dec 29, 2024 05:33 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Dorie Dillard Austin TX  as I was reading your post, our place got really dusty and my eyes started watering.....Endre

Dec 29, 2024 09:42 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Dorie. Must admit to missing your posts about Geno when he was with us. This Christmas gift preserves his legacy and likely establishes a tradition in your family as Hudson someday gifts the book to his son. 

Dec 30, 2024 04:03 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Geno certainly was an amazing man who knew how to give gifts!  Hudson will certainly benefit from reading this book with his Father!

Dec 30, 2024 04:25 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I love it! What a beautiful gift to be passed down. Maybe someday Hudson will gift it to his child!

Dec 30, 2024 06:00 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Dorie Dillard Austin TX  - Heartfelt! Warm! Memorable. This is a Christmas gift unlike any other. And the legacy lives on. Hudson has an amazing father. Your son became amazing because of his father, your husband Geno.

Thank you for sharing. 

 

Dec 30, 2024 08:26 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Dorie, wow, that brought a tear to my eye!   What a wonderful way to pass on Geno's memory!

Dec 30, 2024 03:07 PM
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Incredible!  I love your thoughts and and the meaning behind the messages.  And I really like this one: "I’m reminded that love, wisdom, and family bonds transcend time."

Dec 30, 2024 07:24 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jan 04, 2025 06:02 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

I love that book and in a twist, I actually gave it as a gift to my Grandfather back in 1990 after I read it for the first time. I remeber thinking "why did it take me so long to discover this book?" I insccribed the book too. 

Jan 05, 2025 06:52 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Dorie:

What a wonderful legacy to pass on and a special memory of Geno. I'm sure Hudson will treasure the book just as your son did - not just the story itself but the message from Geno.

Jeff

Jan 05, 2025 04:44 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I love that your son shared this book with Hudson, how meaningful, I can already here some of the conversation between the two of them. What did you learn Dad? Love it, and that Geno is remembered through this gift also reminds us that our loved ones are always around us.

Jan 06, 2025 07:33 AM