Backstory
How do you keep a friendship going, when you and the other person are far apart? Through communication. That might be a Facebook post, a hand-written letter or an occasional gift. I got to smiling over beloved objects in my home that were gifts from over the years, and this story was the result.
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Unexpected Gift – #650
Imagine a gift arriving in the mail. You open the packing box to find a gaily wrapped present. And it’s not even your birthday. It’s not Christmas. It’s just an ordinary day . . .or at least it was, until the gift arrived.
It came from a friend or a relative who was thinking of you. Someone found something that reminded them of you and sent it on. What an absolutely joy.
A friend once sent me a soft, plush fleece blanket. It was huge. It’s now been on my king size bed for years. Every time I cuddle up in it, I think of him and his family and smile.
My vanity has trinkets and jewelry from various friends. I finger them and recall our last laugh together .
There’s a little sign on my desk reminding me to “Take time to smell the roses.” My young grandson sent it. It had a hidden message. It said to me – He gets it!
Those cubes on my bookcase with cute sayings; someone sent each of them to entertain me. Every one is an object that speaks of love. None of them have much monetary value in the scheme of things. But oh, they have value to me.
A gift – for no reason at all. It’s really special. Besides receiving them,
you can also send them! A really good idea –to consider.
P.S.
Nothing says “I am thinking of you” like adding to someone’s collection with an unexpected gift. Whether they collect matchbook covers (now there’s a dwindling collectible), salt and pepper shakers, toy trains or antique farm toys, when you see one at a yard sale or auction, snatch that baby up and send it on. Make a friend’s day more joyful.
[Show #650]
The greatest gift we could have gotten is your friendship. What a yard sale brought us—you both! Even thought miles now separate us, I consider you “good friends” who could be called up on if ever needed. While Robert’s health issues have curtailed our plans for a year or two traveling, I
hope to find a “camper van” that I can drive on short trips…even as far as you guys are. It will be challenging years ahead.
But then the whole history of you and Robert has been one challenge after another, along with dreams, plans and successes. You will make this work too.
We would always welcome your visit.
To me the greatest unexpected gift is the gift of a smile given or returned to me.
Thankful for passing on your inner beauty. I can see you smiling.
Gretchen Smith-klainer
Smiling is good for the soul. You may have read or listened to the story based on that concept, Gretchen – https://considerthisradioshow.com/sharing-something-of-value-2/ . And thanks for the smile.
Unexpected gifts are always so much fun! The best one I’ve gotten in recently was from my friend Karen Sanderson when she sent me an unexpected, custom-made journal which I wrote about on my blog. I made it into a “Favorite Things” journal and it is a treasure.
And sometimes those crazy gift boxes with several oddball things in it are the most fun of all — lipstick, a pack of Kleenex, a ballpoint pen, a little notebook. My brother and his wife in Seattle are masters at this — we love it when they draw our name at Christmas because we know we’ll get a fun and thoughtful “care package.”
I read and enjoyed your story of the journal from Karen Sanderson, Elizabeth. We recipients are so fortunate – and get so much pleasure from being the senders as well.
Good morning Annette. Once again we enjoyed your message! Thank you and God bless
You have provided pleasure often with your gift of blueberry buckle. Thank you, Cathie.
Enjoyed this while having a cup of coffee this morning. It was also an unexpected gift!
You just never know from whence they cometh. May your day bring more unexpected pleasures, Pat.