The most appreciated (and cheapest) gift I've ever gave...

16 years ago

My husband is like a kid when it comes to opening gifts...every Christmas he receives some kind of toy(S)...our daughter gave him a motorized truck last year...and a talking duck, to name a few...He laughs at silly gag gifts. The past 5 years hasn't been too kind to him health-wise...Four years ago, the doctors wanted me to agree to take him off life support...won't mention all the sickness/operations he's been through, but I hope none of you have witnessed anyone suffering from septic shock.

He was away from home six and a half months, in hospitals and rehab. He is a walking miracle.

Anyway, last year, just before Christmas, I was sorting out stacks and stacks of old photos...when the idea struck...I bought a nice, small but thick photo album...on the first few pages, are displays of when he was a child/ teenager, and his parents/ sisters and brothers...the next pages are of us when we were dating...then married, him with our daughter at different ages...special occasions, a cut out from a newspaper when he received "employee of the year" award. Then photos of his struggle to walk again. From a wheelchair to a walker to a cane to walking on his own. etcs.

I thought that I would wait until after the gifts were opened and we had ate to present him with the unwrapped album. He was relaxed in his recliner and I held the album behind my back as I approached...(I'm sure he was expecting a gag gift of some sort)...I presented it like Ralph Edwards would...Anyone remember him?...I'm giving my age away...really I was only an infant when I saw him on TV...ha... "This Is Your Life..."...

It was "touching" to see his reaction as he looked at the pages and said, "I didn't know that you were going to do this." That was one "gift" that wasn't tossed aside.

I think of photographs as chapters of our lives.

Sometimes, maybe it is the thought that counts.

Wishing all of you nice and safe holidays.

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Comments (6)

judithva
16 years ago
Ashli, what a beautiful and touching story. I am so glad you still have your beloved hubby with you. It must have been alot of fun putting the gift together and surprising him. Like you said, I am sure he will always treasure it. Thanks for posting such a wonderful story of love.
luvstocraft
16 years ago
Ashli, it sounds like the two of you have come through allot together. So nice that you made that special album for him. Loved your story--and yes, I do remember the "This is your Life" show. LOL I was just a child too--but always remember hoping that I would have a nice life and friends and family who loved me like the ones on that show! ;o)

So great that he enjoys the silly gag gifts too--laughter is the best medicine they say.

Thanks for the great story and best wishes to you and your family.

Luvs
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donnawb
16 years ago
Such a touching story and the gift of pictures past and present are a wonderful rememberince.

I did albums for two of my grown children two years ago and the loved it. My one daughter told me it was the best present that she ever received. Most gifts come and go but memories are always there.
Purplemoon
16 years ago
Ashli, what an incredible story. One that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. I understand well the strength and love it takes to get thru such medical horrors (after witnessing my own son and his wife deal with his severe burns).
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. To me, this is what a REAL Christmas is all about.

hugs, Karen
patricianat
16 years ago
That's a really sweet story. I keep saying I am going to do that and I hope the grim reaper does not find me before I make good on my promise. I still have not written that book that I keep promising.
susiesunshine
16 years ago
Ashli:
You are truly an angel , the kind that God uses in many different ways.... in your own family and here on the Garden Web... because as Karen, says , and She knows from her own story, and You know from your story....
Ashli, the true meaning of Christmas is all about LOVE !!!
the gifting of one's self... is truly the G R E A T E S T!!!
The R E C E I V I N G for a person.... realizing that the one GIVING... of themselves out of such deep love is far better than winning the lottery...
You are the living example of passing on the LOVE !!!!
You are the living example of Knowing God will truly get us through A L L the Times, Good and Hard!!!
Thank you for being willing to tell us the Tips... and mostly to make us aware...
We A L L need to stick together... we all need to pray for one another... and we all need to ...
make GRATITUDE LIST and do the ATTITUDE CHECK.... of Self!
Thank You for helping me get off
my pitty pot.... and
Get back to doing the job that God has ASK me to do!!!!
Thank You
God Bless You and Your Family!!!
M E R R Y + C H R I S T M A S !!!!!!
susiesunshine

The most appreciated (and cheapest) gift I've ever gave...

Comments (6)

judithva

luvstocraft

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