The season of great gift-giving is upon us, beginning, I think, with Mother's Day just passed. It will include graduations, June weddings, and perhaps new babies or birthdays or anniversaries. My own June birthday will be one of those occasions and this will be a big one, my 75th!
But first, the Mother's Day gifts on my table included a gift certificate for a meal at Cracker Barrel, which I will greatly anticipate; a lovely silver necklace to be cherished for sure; a couple of beautiful fresh flower bouquets which I love; a new photo of our great-grandson Daniel now standing in the photo and walking in real life (which found a place on a shelf in our living room among the many photos of family in that room and around our home). Possibly the best gift I received was from my husband who made me a mother, a gorgeous necklace, earring and ring set with a beautiful blue topaz stone, each set in a silver surround. It was a total surprise, chosen by Husband without my assistance and now greatly cherished. I will have the ring sized to fit my "little pinkie" next to my wedding rings as a sign of my affection for the giver. Each gift was supremely appreciated.
Other gifts received through the years have kept on giving. They include an American flag flying day and night in our front yard among the blooms and greenery and with a little red-white-and blue painted AMERICA sign at its base. I recently touched up the red letters on it (among the other colors) because the red had faded to a gloomy pink. It now looks bright and patriotic, just in time for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The flag and little sign are reminders of our forefathers' sacrifice in establishing a free nation for us, and the veterans who have continued the sacrificial giving so we can continue to live in this free nation.
Also the birdbaths in the yard can be a great gift idea and they keep bringing joy to homeowners as the colorful birds come by for a splash of cool water when they need it. Likewise, the birdfeeders that hang to attract the various pretty little creatures that add joy to one's every day when we think to watch. And the sundial in our yard is a joy every day, given to me several years ago by a son. I want the sun to shine every day of my life anyway but especially to show the time of day with the sun's shadow falling to delineate the hour.
Of course, anything that grows is a wonderful gift, at any time of year. The knock-out roses in our yard are mightily enjoyed, especially the yellow-to-white ones given to me by that thoughtful grandson Josh. A reminder: Don't be impatient; they can take a few years to get established and begin blooming a lot.
Anything having to do with family photos makes a precious gift for us oldsters. Our youngest daughter has flooded our home with photos of their little Ashlin, and we can never have too many! Also little Daniel's photos have a special place in our home and we are grateful for those, too. Of course, the older grandchildren's photos never grow old, either. We anticipate finding a place of honor for grandson Smythe as he graduates this month in Galveston. We know that he has had his senior pictures taken; we have just not yet seen them! Our small home's walls are now covered with photographs of family members, but we promise to always find new walls and corners for them as they mark milestones ahead: graduations, weddings, anniversaries, more little ones and whatever family members can dream up for us.
We would desire no others gifts than photographic remembrances of their activities, milestones and achievements! Although, all gifts are sincerely appreciated! The Bible tells us that stones will help us remember great events in our lives, and I would say also will photographs!
-- Jan Mullikin is a Siloam Springs resident and former employee of the Herald-Leader. She can be reached at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Community on 05/20/2015