Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The Best Christmas Gift Ever

My only daughter lives 1,ooo miles away with her mom. The last Christmas I spent with her was 16 years ago. For a few years after her mom and I split, I wasback in Canada, I would fly down to Florida after the holiday to spend time with her and my oldest son. I could only charge so many trips before Visa started to get too heavy. If only life were like the commercials. Still every year I shipped boxes of wrapped gifts to the kids. I never received any packages back but then I never expected any.
Last year I received a post card a week after Christmas for a parcel waiting for me at the Post Office depot. Even though I was 41 at the time I was still stoked to be receiving a package. I was pretty certain it wasn't court documents as the hatchet my ex-wife wielded for years had been long buried.
The package was not a court document but rather a box containing a beat up wrapped parcel. I couldn't wait to get home so I ripped the wrapping off in the front seat of my car sitting in the parking lot. Under the colourful paper was the greatest gift I have ever received. It was from my 16 year old daughter. As soon as I saw the gift I knew she really cared about me. It was a demonstration that she actually listened to the silly things I said when we talked about nothing important. The gift wasn't expensive, probably cost more to ship it than to purchase it.
My daughter sent me a box of Cocoa Puffs for Christmas. I loved Cocoa Puffs as a kid. For some reason they stopped selling them in Canada some 20 years ago. Cocoa Puffs represented a cherished memory of my childhood and my daughter recognized that. The box of cereal didn't mean anything, although I enjoyed them immensely. No, the gift wasn't all that important. It was the thought that counted.
Even though you won't be reading this, I want the world to know I love you Baby Girl and I will always cherish that gift. Love you lots, Dad.

6 comments:

Cliff said...

So I guess you are kookoo for Coco Puffs.

I hope you are having a blessed Christmas.

Stylin said...

Hi,
That is so touching!!!
Very thoughtful and 16 year old girls are generally not known for being thoughtful!!!!
You know she cares even though she may never show it

Kathy said...

That was a very special and thoughtful gift. So precious!

Anonymous said...

I found ya... You crazy Churchie, you...lol

Merry Christmas!

stacys1175 said...

I'm going to have to agree with Frasypoo on this one. :)

Michelle said...

That was sweet! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.