Despite my presence not being as much as has been, I've been around. I've thought about this over and over and today decided I'd share with you. As most of you know, I had a fabulous birthday thanks to it being shared with most of you. I'd asked +1 to give me the Gettysburg trip as my birthday gift from him and he graciously obliged. Anyway, when I got home from Gettysburg my mother came by for her annual birthday visit to her oldest daughter, me. She gave me a beautiful and quite loving/emotional card. She usually makes it humorous, so this was a huge surprise. She also gave me some gifts as she always does and I totally appreciate everything my mother does for me. HOWEVER, the big clincher that almost took me to the floor was a little box she pulled out after I'd opened my gifts. She prefaced handing it to me by saying, you've always told me since you were a little girl that someday you wanted these, so I want you to have them. (I'm getting misty-eyed now) She handed me the box and inside was the engagement ring my dad gave her (he's been deceased now for 11 years) and her wedding rings. I burst into tears. I'm overwhelmed. She said she just couldn't wear them anymore and she knew I'd love them as much as she had and she wanted me to have them. They are now at the jeweler's to have the shanks repaired (they'd worn thin) and they will be the most cherished of all the things I own (except maybe the S, but its a close call).

Secondly, our son was home last week after his tour in Iraq. I cannot even tell you how great that visit was.

 

That's lovely, Valentine.

 

What wonderful gifts you received...especially your son's safe return from Iraq. My son is currently serving his second deployment in Afghanistan, so I know the feeling of having your son return home. You are also very blessed to still have your mother. Family and friends...the most precious gifts.

 

What a beautiful gesture on your mother's part. I'm all choked up just reading about it. Spokes Man is right, just still having her around and having your son return and friends to share special moments are the greatest gifts of all. I can't wait to see the rings. Cherish each moment, oh sentimental one! (hugs)

 

with all that has been said.

Glad you got to enjoy your family time, and to your Mom for her special gift to you.

 

[QUOTE=Spokes Man,Oct 25 2006, 12:40 PM] What wonderful gifts you received...especially your son's safe return from Iraq.

 

What a great feel-good story, we need more of them. Also, Spokes, please keep us posted on your son, and thank him from me for serving OUR country.

 

You mentioned that you don't see your mom as often as you would like, but I'm sure that made up for some of it. Very thoughtful of her. I know how much they mean. Auntie gave me her engagement and wedding ring a few years ago. It meant alot to me, since I have been so close to her all these years. She and my uncle were like second parents. I wear the engagement ring all the time.

 

I am currently writing a letter to my son, and I will tell him of your support. It's very much appreciated.

When he graduated from high school ten years ago, he was a typical anti-establishment, hard-core, heavy-metal, hard-hearted young man (at least that was his image). He was very defiant against any form of authority, and thought patriotism was for old people (typical of a lot of us at that age). Then on that fatefull morning of 9-11, he woke up and watched the TV coverage of our Nation being attacked by terrorists. He knew what he had to do.

On Nov. 1st, 2001, I met him at 3:00 AM and watched through tears as he left for boot camp at Ft. Benning, GA to begin his career as a U.S. Army Infantryman. He has dedicated his life to protecting the freedoms we enjoy, and is now serving in Afghanistan as a SSG with the 4th Platoon, Delta Co, 2-87 Infantry. He and his wife fell in love with the area where they are based at Ft. Drum, NY, and have settled their family in Watertown, NY. He loves his job, and I'm very proud of him. I pray for his safe return.

Thank you.

 

^^ Yep, Ms P, she only comes by once a year on my birthday. Sometimes if I beg and plead she'll come over during the holidays, but I go by her place several times a month (she only lives a few miles away). It is rare that I catch her at home, but I always leave a note or card to let her know I've been. I call several times a week AND GET HER ANSWERING MACHINE . I'm really delighted that she's so active and gets out of the house rather than sitting around waiting on one of us to pop in, believe me. I do wish, however, that she'd return my calls more often . She's hilarious and still full of p** and vinegar, so I hope I've inherited her "stay youthful and healthy" genes. I respect and admire her dignity and have told her many, many times how much I appreciate the things she taught me and that I've always felt she was such a lady. Its really funny the things you somehow associate with people from wayy back in your youth. I always remember how mother loved two magazines and we were not allowed to touch them until she finished reading every single page: Ladies Home Journal and Gracious Living. BTW, my mother wears a size 0, weighs 99 lbs and is 4'11" tall. She's weighed the same ever since I can remember, but she used to wear a size 3.