Yesterday I went to the post office and picked up about ten packages waiting for us. I didn’t open them when I got home because some of them are for my oldest son’s birthday, and to avoid my three year old throwing a tantrum because he can’t have them, I waited to open them. This morning I decided to get them all opened before the toddler woke up but only got one done because what was inside was just too special and too thoughtful for me to focus on anything else.
I am struck with emotion. This is probably one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever given me:
For the last gift of that Christmas she had created a scavenger hunt throughout the house for my sister and me. She had hidden little cards with hints on them and increasing amounts of money attached throughout the house leading up to the final gift of $100. We were stuck for a long time on that last clue. Finally, it came to me, and I slid my hand under her wig to find a stack of folded up $20 bills. The entire room burst into laughter.
Nanny passed away the following May.
This one moment has stuck with me over time and has remained one of my most treasured. A few years ago I decided to write out the entire story in a blog post because it deserved sharing. Parts were missing, mainly the exact words that were used as the hints and some details that I just could not remember. So I made them up the best I could and posted it. A couple of years later I decided to submit it to be published, but I knew it needed to be redone. After gathering more bits and pieces from my mom and sister, I rewrote the entire thing and submitted it with the help of a wonderful editor and friend.
Not long after this my sister emailed me with pictures of the cards. She had found them all. I completely broke down in tears. It was like Nanny was sending out a message of love to us. I reveled in that feeling. I still get chills when I look at that picture.
The story didn’t get published, but right before Christmas this year my husband encouraged me to make it into a children’s book. One of the New Year’s resolutions I made was to get started on turning this story into something that will last forever and touch hearts all over the world. And today I opened this gift. I have never seen that photograph before. I have a picture of that morning, but it is earlier when we were all opening gifts. This picture….I can’t even tell you how much it means to me. And the fact that she is giving me these cards….y’all, I just can’t.
My sister, thank you for this. Thank you a million times. You have given me something that is priceless. It will hang on my wall where I can see it daily so I can remember the complete joy that was in that moment. You have always been so thoughtful, but this….this is the best. I love you.
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A childrens' story? What a great idea!
What a lovely memory of your grandmother. In a way by sharing this she lives on forever!
Beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes. Making family memories with our loved ones is the best gift we can give ourselves and each other.