Treasures

Growing up I always felt woefully inadequate about the gifts I gave my Mom. Later I felt embarrassed when I would look at something I'd bought for her - embarrassed that I had thought it was such a great gift when I gave it, and embarrassed that she felt she had to keep it because it was a gift from me.

Last week Tom took the boys to Chuck-E-Cheese. When they returned John ran through the door and handed me this silver ring with a big red stone. "Ring for you Mommy!" Tom told me that he *insisted* on getting it for me with his game tickets.

Yesterday Sam came in as I was working and said, "Look Mommy! I got these for you because I know they're your favorite!" He handed me these two dandelions.

And once again I'm reminded of this wonderful secret of being a parent, something I could not fathom when I used to feel that embarrassment. The true gift is that they are thinking of me. The physical representation of that gift is only what serves to remind me of how truly blessed I am.