Some things make for really good stories. Like the time my dad received the most memorable present not because it was a good present but because it was so completely not him. You see my dad is really easy going. He never asks for anything and it’s almost impossible to figure out what to get him for his birthday. My sweet Yia yia though never let a birthday pass without giving an expensive gift. She was one of the most generous people I’ve ever known.
This one particular year though after Yia yia had asked countless times what dad wanted (“You don’t need to get me anything”) he finally responded with “Just get me any old thing.” Well come December 12th dad sat in the green chair and started unwrapping presents. He pulled out a box and we all just looked at it for a moment thinking that it must have gotten wrapped in another box because the picture just couldn’t be what was inside. We were wrong….the box was right. My dad pulled out a singing silver carousel. Inside the card was simply signed with “This is what you get when you ask for any old thing! Love you!”
Now you have to understand that my dad is one of the manliest men I’ve ever met. He works with wood and his hands are always cut and stained with paint or lacquer. After the initial surprise we all started laughing. Now every Christmas we put out that funny silver carousel because it makes us smile.
Here’s the thing though…I think we’ve all received gifts that we wonder what in the world we should do with. My birthday is on Friday and as I’ve contemplated it the best gift I can think of would be one where I get to help someone. While things are beautiful, fun, and enjoyable making an impact on someone’s life is what I want to “receive” this year. So as this is my birthday week would you consider gifting me with a donation for my kiddos in India? They are no longer orphans but they still need our help!
UPDATE!!! $92,024.82 😀
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