Thursday, December 24, 2009

A sweet Christmas present

I was talking with my friend Liz a few days ago, and she told me she had found a package on her porch a few days earlier. It appeared to be a gift basket, and she was fearful it was one of those holiday baskets that was full of things like salami (she's a vegetarian). Upon opening it, she found a basket full of memories of her beloved step mother, Rachel, who passed on earlier this year. Rachel's daughter had thoughtfully assembled the following items:

  • 3 rolls of pennies and an old newspaper clipping Rachel kept about "always stop for a penny."
  • 3 skeins of her acrylic yarn and blue knitting (metal) needles
  • crochet hook
  • directions for both knitted and crocheted slippers
  • 3 iris bulbs from her garden
  • Aunt Mary's Sherry wine cake recipe--including a box of yellow cake mix and pkg of vanilla instant pudding
  • 4 of her pretty handkerchiefs
  • 3 of her tea cups
  • her small book of Christmas Carols that the insurance companies used to give out for advertising--this one from Salesian Missions
  • 2 decks of "coca cola" playing cards (she loved to play bridge)
  • thank you notes
I was so taken by this story I asked Liz for permission to share it...I love the idea of such a heartfelt present. Thanks, Liz.

6 comments:

Twisted in Texas said...

What a touching gift and so full of sweet memories.

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Wonderful gift. Especially at this time of year.
Love the photos you submitted.
Sending you wishes for a lovely holiday season.
Hugs, Chris
Who is dreaming of snow covered adobes...the scent of roasting peppers...and the Christmas day Deer Dance at the Pueblo.

Taos Sunflower said...

Chris! I owe you a big, long letter...maybe this coming week...I've been overcome by events...
Wish you were here for Christmas, but just to let you know, it's going to be frigid frigid here tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night! (PS I hear they're doing the Matachines dance at the pueblo tomorrow.)

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Martie, we were just talking about the Matachines this morning. Also wonderful and lovely but oh the Deer Dance...like stepping back a thousand years for an hour. I've always wondered what mental/prayerful preparation goes on in the Kiva before those freezing temp dances in little clothing. They never appear cold or deterred by the snow. I did a few fire walks one night about fifteen plus years ago. No pain, no blisters. Empowering, yet when I see someone else doing it (tv or films) I am at a loss as to how the prep work got me to the walking mindset. Happy, happy day dear one, Chris

Anonymous said...

Liz received such a fine gift. Glad you shared it. Frigid weather up there in Taos. We traveled through the Texas blizzard Christmas Eve to get to Santa Fe seven hours late, but made it. Happy holidays, Jack.

Taos Sunflower said...

Yes, it's a wee bit nippy these last couple of nights...did you, by chance, go to the Pueblo for the dancing yesterday???