Precious gifts

I've been reminiscing about some of the best gifts I've ever received. I remember gifts of gold and precious stones, gifts large and small, thoughtful and baffling, touching and hilarious, beautiful and hideous. (Actually, the only one I think of as 'hideous' is a set of putrid pink drinking glasses from a guest at my wedding - a woman who had not been invited! Note to wedding crashers: at least bring an attractive gift. :D )



These are some of my favorite gifts of all time:



— My first ever visit to Barnes & Noble. (You knew the first would have something to do with books, didn't you?) The cousin with whom I was staying in Miami in 2000, probably sick of hearing me mention how much I was looking forward to visiting that particular bookstore, dropped me off at the nearest one early a Saturday afternoon, slipped $50 into my hand and said he'd be back to pick me up in four hours.



— A drawing of a swan, all curving lines and big eyes, that I carry in my wallet at all times. The artist is my son, who was four when he drew it.



— The news that the lump in my sister's breast was not cancer.



— A hike to a waterfall with my son two Mother's Days ago.



— A sweet letter from my favorite ex one Christmas after a horrible breakup saying, among other things, that I had a good soul.



Hm. Just noticed most of my favorite gifts cost little or nothing. What are some of your most precious gifts?

—Liane Spicer