I have been doing a Monday Memory for several months and enjoy recording some events of my past and my family.
One Christmas ( Boy Wonder was 4) we had a special Christmas and opened our gifts early. The children were still very young so this story is for them as they might not remember it.
We had a small home and three curious children. No matter where I hid the gifts someone was always "accidentally " finding them. So, I left the gifts at a friend's house and wrapped them there while Boy Wonder was napping and the girls were in school. The only thing I hadn't counted on was how to transport them back to my house.
My friend, who stored the gifts was going through a very rough time as her mother "Granny Grubbs" was slowly dying of cancer and we all knew it would be her last Christmas. Granny Grubbs was always full of life and my children were naturally drawn to her. As we began loading the gifts in the car (while my friend distracted the children) Granny looked very wistful and asked reluctantly ..."Do you think the children could open just one gift? It has been so long time since we have had children in the house and I would love to see them open a gift."
My tenderhearted husband took one look at Granny and said, "They can open them all right here, right now and you can be a part of it all." So without blinking an eye Mr. Wonderful took all the gifts and placed them under the tree and calling the children over "explained to them" how Santa thought it would be a great idea if we shared our Christmas with Granny and her family.
Opening presents right here, right now, definitely agreed with them so we began our Christmas ritual. Mr. Wonderful "played Santa" and the gifts were passed out one at a time starting with the youngest. Boy Wonder (Andy)opened the "Batmobile " and started playing with it immediately. He made the car noises and the next thing we knew laughing Granny was on the floor playing Bat Man with him.
Baby Girl (Suzy)opened a Barbie and once again Granny was there to" oooh and aaah" and help pick out just the right outfit. My kids had a blast but Granny had the best time of them all. Each gift brought out more smiles and giggles and we watched a 70 plus-year-old transform into a school girl once again.
My children loved the attention and when all the gifts were opened they "fought" over who got to play with Granny as they all wanted her to themselves. It was a special Christmas for me as I learned a valuable lesson that year and in less than a month Granny would be a precious memory.
The special Christmas gift Granny gave me was the gift of living in the moment and living it well. The gifts weren't the star of the show.....it was the look of pure joy on Granny's face and the love my children were able to share with her.
14 comments:
THAT is an AWESOME memory! And how lucky you are to have Mr. Wonderful! He is SO cool! And I bet this post brings that memory right back to your kids! :)
Oh my....you got me bawling here!!!
That, without a doubt has to be the BEST EVER memory shared. In all my months I've been reading these, and doing a few myself now and then-------------this is so touching and so eloquently spoken from the heart.
How I miss my aged family. I just hope they too can know (kids now-a-days) that the best Christmases are always from the heart and soul....not the material gifts themselves, but the way family should be. Loving!!!
Daisy, that has to be the most precious thing I have ever heard. What a sweet gift you gave to Granny Grubb. I am sure that Jesus was smiling and telling his Father, "Look, they get it, they really get it!"
Bless you my dear friend.
Gracious Daisy. that is a wonderful post and a most wonderful memory. I agree with all of the above ladies and everything that they have said to you. It is not the material gifts but the way families should be loving. You gave Granny Grubb the best gift that she would get. You and Mr. Wonderful did the best thing that you could have done that Christmas for her and probably for your kids and yourself too. Thanks for sharing such a tender moment. Sandy
A beautiful memory Daisy. I'm sure everyone received blessings that day!
Blessings to you.
Awwww... so sweet and wonderful!
xo
LBC
Thanks for your encouraging words today...
Lovely memory you've posted. Reminds me of so many Christmases spent with my folks. I have such good memories I'll always cherish.
Have a happy day!
That is a wonderful memory that brought tears to my eyes. You made someone very happy and this is the kind of thing that you can look back on and know you made a difference in someone's life. How wonderful!
I'm up too.
What a lovely memory--and such a message. That's just got to be in a sermon! Thanks for recording it for your family and for us.
My MM is up and I look forward to your visit.
How lovely is that? You've made the best life for your family.
That is not only a beautiful memory, but it's extremely moving! Thanks for sharing! You married a keeper in Mr. Wonderful to see the need there and go with it! Love this memory!!
Love ya!
Batman! I still do remember my son's favorite. I even posted some time ago a photo of my son in batman's costume.
Thanks for dropping by and I do miss you too.
Awww, Lazy Daisy, what a wonderful memory, it's pure Christmas' spirit!!!
OT: Have you had a problem with blogger beta leaving comments? (You and I haven't yet switched over.) Anyone using beta tells me I'm not registered, and rejects me. I can't find this on the information FAQ for Blogger.
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