Forever Gifts
Christmas is a season
when we give gifts to those we love. Like the three wise men of old too we each
hope to find the perfect gift to express our love. As I look back on all the
perfect gifts that I have gotten over the years, however, I have noticed that
none of them came wrapped in paper or were put under a tree. Still, each of them
found a forever home in my heart.
My Italian Grandma gave me the forever gifts of her big, strong hugs and soft,
gentle kisses. My Mom’s sweet smile, twinkling eyes, and joyful laughter
were gifts which lit up my life for so many years. My Dad gave me the gifts of
his wisdom and common sense even though I didn’t always use them. My brothers
gave me the gift of time. Although I was several years younger they always made
the time to play with their "little brother." My first dog gave me the gift of
unconditional love and loyalty. A beautiful girl gave me the gift of my first
kiss which made me tingle from head to toe. A favorite teacher gave me the gift
of seeing that learning can be a joy instead of a job. My children gave me the
gifts of tiny arms wrapped around my neck and "I love you Daddy" whispered in my
ear. So many beautiful souls blessed me with the gift of their friendship. I
also got gifts in the smiles of strangers, the hugs of neighbors, and the kind
letters from people all over the world who had read my writings. Each one of
them was precious. Each one of them was eternal.
Not a single one of these forever gifts could be bought in a store. They all had
to be given from the heart. They won’t break, rust, or rot either. Instead I
will carry them in my soul all through this life and into the next. This
Christmas then and every day of the year give your own forever gifts to those
you love.
Remember too the wise words of Leo Buscaglia: "This life you are given is God’s gift to you and how you live it is your gift to God."
By: Joseph J. Mazzella