The Greatest Gift Of All by locomouse
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Description
The greatest gift of all must surely be the one we receive right out of the blue... and for no reason at all. Oh, it's fun to circle items in a catalogue and make wish lists in the days leading up to Christmas or one's birthday ... hoping that maybe one or two of those items might actually materialize. But the element of surprise is effectively diminished whenever a degree of expectation, no matter how small, has been planted in the mind of the recipient.
When I was about 9 years old, I asked my parents for a Barbie Doll for Christmas. It seemed as though all my friends had Barbies and I wanted one of my own in the worst way. I brought the subject up as often as I could and made it rather clear that I would most likely die if I didn't get one from "Santa". Christmas morning finally dawned and my two brothers and I made a mad dash to the tree. There were gifts everywhere... a heady sight of dazzling color and form... but it soon became apparent to me that there was no Barbie Doll. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see the sadness in my mom's eyes as she gently explained that she and dad simply couldn't afford to buy me the doll... that maybe next Christmas I would have one. At that moment I realized that my crushing disappointment was causing my parents to feel very badly... and as I looked at all the other gifts they had so painstakingly collected for the three of us, I knew that my focus on having that doll was selfish and greedy and just very wrong. I told them it was okay... that I didn't really want a Barbie Doll anyway.
My birthday in January came and went without a Barbie. One night the following June, after saying my prayers and climbing into bed... my parents tucked me in, gave me a goodnight kiss and turned out the light. As I rolled over and slid my hands under my pillow, I felt a large piece of paper there. Thinking I may have misplaced some type of homework, I got up and turned on the light. The writing on the paper read, "Look under your bed." Flipping back the bedskirt I knelt down to have a look... and there it was. A brand new Barbie Doll in a black vinyl carrying case complete with two outfits. My hands were shaking, my heart was pounding and I was still numb with shock when mom and dad came back into my room. Blinded by tears, I practically shouted, "But what is this for?!" And they smiled and said, "Because we love you."
The greatest gift of all. :)
UF with frame and sig in PSP. I thank you all for the gift of your time and your words... I treasure each and every one. And many thanks for the feedback on my previous stuff! Hugs! Helen :)
When I was about 9 years old, I asked my parents for a Barbie Doll for Christmas. It seemed as though all my friends had Barbies and I wanted one of my own in the worst way. I brought the subject up as often as I could and made it rather clear that I would most likely die if I didn't get one from "Santa". Christmas morning finally dawned and my two brothers and I made a mad dash to the tree. There were gifts everywhere... a heady sight of dazzling color and form... but it soon became apparent to me that there was no Barbie Doll. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see the sadness in my mom's eyes as she gently explained that she and dad simply couldn't afford to buy me the doll... that maybe next Christmas I would have one. At that moment I realized that my crushing disappointment was causing my parents to feel very badly... and as I looked at all the other gifts they had so painstakingly collected for the three of us, I knew that my focus on having that doll was selfish and greedy and just very wrong. I told them it was okay... that I didn't really want a Barbie Doll anyway.
My birthday in January came and went without a Barbie. One night the following June, after saying my prayers and climbing into bed... my parents tucked me in, gave me a goodnight kiss and turned out the light. As I rolled over and slid my hands under my pillow, I felt a large piece of paper there. Thinking I may have misplaced some type of homework, I got up and turned on the light. The writing on the paper read, "Look under your bed." Flipping back the bedskirt I knelt down to have a look... and there it was. A brand new Barbie Doll in a black vinyl carrying case complete with two outfits. My hands were shaking, my heart was pounding and I was still numb with shock when mom and dad came back into my room. Blinded by tears, I practically shouted, "But what is this for?!" And they smiled and said, "Because we love you."
The greatest gift of all. :)
UF with frame and sig in PSP. I thank you all for the gift of your time and your words... I treasure each and every one. And many thanks for the feedback on my previous stuff! Hugs! Helen :)
Comments (22)
zoozee
Aww your story brought tears to my eyes ! .. It was really touching .. I think your parents must have been bringing you and your brothers up in a right way .. since you even that christmas where you were so stuck on that barbie .. could see and realize the situation ! Your image is wonderful .. I love the colors . . the design .. the whole atmosphere in this is amazing :))
Tutte
I too had tears in my when when I read your story. The unexpected gift is always the most treasured ay? I love the sphere.
artworksco
I knew you should be a writer, you have such a way with words. I could picture each moment of your story, which was beautiful. And that is yet another stunning fractal! Pure love is definitely the greatest gift of all. I hope Santa brings every good little boy and girl that precious gift this year!
joeydude
A marvelous fractal image, and a wonderful story too!!
Henny31
This image is wonderful and what a lucky parents to have you as a daughter. And you lucky lady to have parents like that. They taught you in a very tender way that any gift coming from the heart is a perfect gift.
DonnaB
What special parents you have... no wonder you're you! :) Love this, Helen, a gorgeous creation and absolutely fantastic presents to all of your Rendo friends... the story and the image! xoxoxox
kansas
A beautiful real life experience you have shared. Thank you as this is your gift to us. Your lovely fractal is also a gift to us. Thank you very much.
barbdennist
Well, now that I've found the Kleenex and wiped the tears from my eyes (not kidding about that) I can see to type. What a touching story, and what a beautiful fractal. You have a wonderful way with words and I always enjoy your stories.
DIANE603
I love you too!!
fractalinda
Oh, sweet lady, what a wonderful story! And, yes, my eyes are wet again. Feels good to cry when you touch my heart with your memories. Thank you. :~) And your image is so rich and beautiful; the perfect visual to go with. Love the special mood it evokes. Excellent!
Junglegeorge
A really touching lovely story, excellent fractal as always :-)
Catriona2
How does one cry online? Thankyou for your story. Particularly meaningfull to me because my 'Helen' (daughter) will ber leaving me soon to marry her soldier boy and live abroad x Catriona2 x
fx7
A marvelous image, and a lovely story: ..and the greatest of these is love...
abmlober
What a wonderful and touching story! And a nice image too btw...
DreamersWish
Well you had me in tears too! The story is fantastic and your parents were wonderful people and taught you well. I would hope these days that children would realize the same thing. The image is truly a beauty. Rich in color and form! Well done!
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful creation Helen......!!! V
lgmac
Wow what a tearjerker. An amazing memory. This image is remarkable. You really have a way of tuggin at the heartstrings.
renderix
moving words..and a splendit fractal!
daffodilbaggins
Nice! Really, truly nice!
redbeard
Barbies still play a large part of little girl's lives, at least they did about 10 years ago. What a terrific story, wonderfully told and very emotional. The greatest gift is remembered forever, your gifts to us are uncountable.
Louy
Your love story is classical, your parents are of wonderful character to make your life's pathway etched in such experiences. The fractal expresses your most beauty as you weave on the loom with threads of colour,texture and form the scene you create with your story of your doll. How they love you.May we enjoy your work for a long time. And....may we,some day read a book for Children's Stories of Yesteryear???? luvu2a
Lenord
Got something in my eye, yeah thats it, maybe static from the monitor cause I don't cry! What a story and Image