The Last Gift

At some time in your life, you will receive the last gift from a loved one, or perhaps you will give the last gift.

The Christmas holidays are always joyous, and sad at the same time. We remember those who are no

longer with us, but yet thankful for the family and friends we have to share the holidays with.

Gifts

After the crowds have all gone and the gifts have been opened, a quiet time remains. No longer are the days when we are hurrying to get from one family’s house to another, or watching the children, or grandchildren play with the toys from their Christmas list. The day is just different, no less joyous.

It brings to mind the last gifts I received from my parents. My Mother died some twenty-plus years ago and my Dad now three years ago. The last gift I received from him was longer than three years ago when he was able to still live at home and still felt that desire to give Christmas presents to his children.

I ran across his last gift that I had tucked into my Bible at church Sunday. It was cash, not a lot, but a precious gift anyway. I could never bring myself to spend it. It seems like if I held on to it, a little bit of him was still here.

My Mother, who was so proud of the new home we had built out in the country at the time, gave me a set of fluffy white towels. She passed away before the next Christmas. Those towels are still folded up and in the cabinet. I can’t use them, I just want to hold on to them. I know when she gave them, she didn’t realize it would be the last gift she ever gave me.

The same with my Dad. He signed the gift envelope for me even though my sister had written my name on the front. She is no longer with us, nor my oldest sister. I almost removed the piece of tape and scrap of tinsel on the envelope. Then I realized it was freezer tape that he had used to secure the gift envelope to his Christmas tree, so I left it be. It can stay in my Bible as a reminder. The towels stay in the cabinet, unused, and just occasionally washed to keep them fresh. Silly I guess, but it is what it is))

The Last Gift

It would be sweet if the last gift you received from a loved one was a nice piece of jewelry, china, or some special keepsake. Life doesn’t work that way. We never give or receive gifts thinking, this will be the last one. But it happens. My last gift could be shoes, a shirt, cash, or even a guitar.

So treasure whatever you receive and give your gifts with a loving heart. Take photos and record videos. Someday you, or someone else, will be glad you did.

Merry Christmas!

Winter Mantel Mix: Fresh Cedar & Faux Pine