Gifts That Perpetually Give

I love giving presents. If I see something in a store that reminds me of a friend, I have that moment of I have to buy this for _____!! There's the anticipation and excitement, wondering if they'll like it and understand why you thought it was such a good gift in the first place, and then watching them open it. Oh, when they open it...sometimes I can't even contain my excitement! Before they cut off the ribbon or rip off the bow, I'm blurting "DO YOU LIKE IT?!"

Someone very special to me, someone who knows me better than I know myself, gave me a present this Christmas that means more to me than she'll ever know. In fact, I haven't even used the present yet, but just the thought behind it is giving me enough. I know, you're probably on the edge of your seat waiting with baited breath, whet with anticipation, wondering...WHAT COULD IT BE? TELL ME!! Right?

Here's the story. I had just gotten back from a nice visit home to Augusta, GA for Christmas and B (said special person) and I decided to give stockings to each other. She gave me really great and thoughtful presents, gifts like a guitar shaped cheese shredder and a head massager. She knows me so well. Then she gave me a wrapped box (I'm thinking a nice shirt or some other article of clothing at this point) and says it's my "big gift." I tear off the wrapping paper and open the box all wide-eyed and giddy until I look down and see a fleece onesie. You know, a onesie. Like, for infants. I stare at B confused. Um..are you pregnant? Are you adopting a Cambodian baby like Angelina Jolie? Are you giving me an American Girl doll?? So many questions. She tells me to just open the card and it will make sense. I open the envelop and inside is a card with baby feet on it. I was right, she's announcing her pregnancy! Immaculate? I start to read the card and before I can get through it all, I see the words "baby" and "Noella" through teary eyes.

[Back story] One of my best friends in the entire world moved to Santa Barbara, CA with her husband right after finding out they were pregnant. Their baby girl was born the day after Christmas so they named her Noella. Are you piecing it together? B bought me a ticket to go see her and the baby because she knew how incredibly special that was. She knew that seeing my friend and her new baby daughter would mean the world to me. She knew I wouldn't allow my frugal self to buy the ticket. She knew that it was a gift I couldn't find words to express my gratitude for...so clearly, I cried. It's what I do. The memories I'll make on that trip will give to me for the rest of my life. THAT'S a real gift if you ask me.

What present have you received that transcends the material, that keeps giving back to you?