Some things in life seem so little but mean so much. Even with all of the junk that goes on in our world today, the true human heart always rises above it all when love abounds. Whatever you do, don’t take anything in this life for granted, especially when it comes to those closest to you. We are but a whisper in time on this planet and then we are gone. When we are young it seems like so much time is ahead. Yet, the older we get it feels like time begins to wind down. Make time count, even with little things.
When I was in grammar school we made tie clips for our Dads for Father’s Day. I love those school made gifts, don’t you? I remember when he opened it. His face lit up like it was the greatest thing he ever saw! I think I was about 8 years old. Later in life he passed away due to lung cancer. While looking through some of his things the first thing that stood out to me was that tie clip! Dad kept it all that time! I think by then I was in my 30’s. I still have it. Every time I look at it, I tear up. It obviously was a gift that meant a lot to him to save it so long.
Some things might seem insignificant but the love and thoughts behind them certainly are not. I still have Mother’s Day and Christmas gifts my children made when they were in grammar school. My boxes are filled with hand prints, handmade candles, photos of my kids glued to Christmas ornaments and paintings on large rolls of paper. Over the years the gifts evolved into things that reflect our faith, love, and sense of family. I still have all of those things, including necklaces and special rings my son used to get out of a gumball machine using the change from his lunch money. For awhile he did this daily. I can’t ever forget the smile on his face every time he gave me one. It was always like the first time.
Another precious gift I have is a plastic bag with locks of my hair when I was small child. The hair was from my first haircut that my mother saved in her bible. It’s still there. When times seem challenging, these are the gifts to my heart that mean so much to me. Sometimes I smile, knowing one day my children will open a box filled with things I have saved for many years and understand how much I have cherished every gift and part of their lives. They have been my gifts. More precious than gold, and more loved than life itself. The very most precious of memories to me were the moments I held each of them the very first time. Their eyes so filled with light, right from heaven, the greatest gifts of love I’ve ever known.
Loving you all from here,
Dr Jenine Marie Howry
and…Mom
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 