THE EMPTY GIFT BOX
Over the years, it has been my joy and privilege to become the mom of two wonderful children. They are truly both good, honest people, who are very responsible. I started their education from the womb by living a healthy lifestyle, and talking and singing to them before I ever saw them. It has also been a tradition over the years that I call them on every birthday, if they are not with me at the time, and sing them the Birthday Song.
Today is my daughters birthday, so at the hour of her birth (8:36 a.m.) I called Danielle and sang her the traditional song, out of tune as usual, along with my husband. It was funny that after three rings my husband didn’t think she would answer ( I never doubted that she would pick up the phone) and on the fourth ring she picked up the phone laughing “right on time!” Trust me, that girl has not missed a birthday song from me (in person or by phone) in 32 years.
Another thing I have always done for their birthdays is write them a letter or poem (by hand). I have also extended this tradition to my grandson. I write this to emphasize the importance of staying “present” in the lives of family and friends. So many times we take things for granted and slip and forget along the way. Being present in someone’s’ life does not always have to be based on how much you spend on them. The time “spent” just talking or just being with someone you care about is “priceless”.
THE EMPTY GIFT BOX
B. Goodjoin (2018)
A pretty bow on a box wrapped with bright paper. It must be a gift for someone special. The box is opened, with a slow, deliberate, thoughtful anticipation. With a scream of delight, the lid is ripped away, to reveal…Nothing! The box is empty, and tears spring forth…”what an awful joke”, “where is my gift?”
The gift, my child, is the spirit and breath of life that we cannot see. The gift, my child, is the struggle and prayers of your ancestors that gave you the privileges you enjoy today… The gift, my child, is in the smiles and hugs that you can see and feel…The gift, my child is the memories that we share…The gift, my child, is this moment…The gift, my child, is all of the tomorrows that lie ahead of you…The gift, my child, is the time you have to learn from mistakes and hopefully correct them…The gift, my child, is the time you spend helping others…The gift, my child, is watching me grow old…The gift, my child, is watching your children grow up…The gift, my child, is having the opportunity to make a difference…The gift my child…is the wisdom you attain…The gift, my child, is the love you give to others…The gift my child is not anything that can be put into a box (because everything that goes in is temporary)…The gift my child is everything that can NEVER BE PUT INTO A BOX (Because they are the things that last forever).