I love this week’s questions from Pensitivity100

What was the most memorable gift you gave someone?

I was once travelling with a friend when we spotted a beautiful hot air balloon in the sky and she said, “Oh I would love to go up in one of those!” I stored that little titbit of information away and months later just before she was to celebrate her 70th birthday I asked her for the birthday guest list. She was reluctant to give it to me but I was helping with the organisation of the party and said, “Trust me. I can’t tell you why I need it but I won’t do anything to embarrass you.”

My friend had stipulated that she wanted everyone to donate a book to a school library in lieu of gifts. I phoned each person and asked whether they would like to contribute to a Hot Air Balloon ride for our mutual friend. Almost everybody was thrilled by the idea – some also donated books! On the evening of the party I got the DJ to play, “Wouldn’t you like to ride in my beautiful balloon,” and then called the birthday girl up to the microphone. I then presented her with an envelope and said,” Would you like to ride in a beautiful balloon?” She looked totally confused until she opened the envelope to find a voucher for such a ride.

A few months later I took her to the Winelands on a beautiful calm day and she had her dream come try. I rode along with the ground crew and took photos.

What was the most memorable gift you received?

I have received many wonderful gifts in my life but the best has to be the surprise from my family for my 70th birthday last year. It was the most awesome weekend away with our children and grandchildren.

Would you be suspicious if your partner gave you flowers or chocolates for no reason?

No, I certainly would not be suspicious. It happens fairly often!

4.  Have you accepted a gift with pleasure, even if you hated it?

Yes, I have. Once I received a sushi-making kit from one of my children. I loved and still do love sushi, but I had no interest in learning to make it! I smiled sweetly and thanked her profusely and put the kit in the cupboard and left it there for months. Then one day while wondering what to make as a starter for a dinner party I took out the kit and read the instructions. While I was puzzling over them this same child came into the kitchen with a magazine that had photos of exactly how to prepare sushi! I made some and it was a huge success. Over the next several years my skills improved and I just loved making sushi! So the gift I didn’t want turned out to be one that I absolutely adored. (This particular daughter has a knack for picking just the right gift and/or card!)

Gratitude:
A gift given with love doesn’t need a price tag.

The above quote is absolutely true! I so value the little gifts and cards I have received from children I have taught. I treasure a little book compiled by one of the parents of a Grade One child I taught. Each page has a drawing and a sentence produced by each child. It is just so precious.