The Joy of Giving

When I was a kid, I loved getting gifts. I guess we all did. Whenever any of my innumerable relatives visited our place, they always brought something for me – be it as trivial as Diary Milk chocolate or as expensive as a frilly frock or as treasured as a story-book. The object itself didn't matter. What mattered  was the thought behind it – the planning that must have went before the object was bought. The gift proved that people thought about me – even when I was not with them. And though I was just a child, I always recognized the love behind the gesture. That's what made the gifts even more dear to me.

The tradition never changed when I went away to college. Birthdays and special occasions were a time that we freely made use of the postal service. And in this fast-paced age of technology, we even wrote letters and mailed them. What could be more personal than a letter from your Mom in her own handwriting when you are miles away from home? May be this was one of the reasons why I have always felt connected to my huge family, though we are spread all across the country.

Somehow, I was quite lucky to have a similar group of friends. We never hesitated or thought twice when we saw something that the other person would enjoy. We were always on each other's minds. And when the time finally came for our close knit group of besties (you know who you are!) to part ways, we always knew that the bond we shared would not diminish over time.

People view gifts as an obligatory gesture – something that needs to be done on certain days for certain people. Stop for a moment. Think of the impact of the same gift for the same person. Pour a little bit of your heart into it – mull it over. And then see the result. What's the point of giving a wall-piece to a guy who is staying at a rented place and doesn't have anything to decorate? What's the use of giving another pair of jeans to a girl who already thinks she has way too many? Why not look back into your time together and gift something that the person will remember forever? And I do not mean something expensive. Something as simple as a single red rose stands out amidst richly wrapped expensive gift-sets.

Invest a little less money and a little more emotion into the gifting process. The joy of the person who receives it will reflect in your own heart. And could anything be more precious?

Dearest Papa

Inspired by http://drkellyflanagan.com/2013/04/17/a-daddys-letter-to-his-little-girl-about-her-future-husband/

Dearest Papa,

I know that you are planning to marry me off to the most suitable guy, that you are looking for the next person who can take care of your daughter for the rest of her life. I know that you are looking for the perfect family and the perfect house and the perfect guy. And there are just a few things that I would like to say to you during this part of our lives.

I remember when I was a little kid and you made me take care of my dolls and in the process taught me the value of the little things. Look for a man who knows both the price and the value of the things that he owns.

I remember the times you held my hand when I was crossing the road. Look for the man who would never leave my hand and who would always protect me.

I remember the time when I was lazy and you inspired me to work hard by working hard yourself. I learned what I saw. Look for a man who is not afraid to take the stairs instead of the elevator and is not afraid of hard work.

I remember the time when I wanted to tell a small lie to get out of something I didn't want to do and you taught me the importance of honesty and integrity. Look for a man who knows and upholds the same values.

I remember the time when I wanted you to do my homework for me and you promised me that you would review it if I did it myself. You inspired me to be my own competition and made me better each day. Look for the man who will inspire me the same way in each phase of my life.

I remember the many many times when I was sad and dejected and was losing faith. I don't remember the circumstances anymore. But I remember you standing by me through thick and thin and lending me your faith. Look for the man who will always be my rock when things get rough.

I remember the numerous times you sacrificed your own comfort to take care of my needs, the number of times when you put me and my whims above your health, your career and everything else. If you can find me the man who does even a tenth of that, I will consider myself very lucky indeed.

I remember the times when you ignored a career opportunity to spend time with me and Mom. You taught me how important family ties are. Look for the man who puts family above money.

I remember the times you helped out a fellow in need irrespective of whether they deserved it or not. And when I asked, you taught me to be kind and unselfish, yet not gullible. Look for the man who is kind to not only people at par with him but also to people below him.

I remember the times when I was boastful of my achievements. You taught me humility. You taught me to be proud of all that I've achieved but not to be arrogant. Look for the man who knows the fine line between these both and is also on the right side of the line.

I remember all the little things you do around the house to keep it running smoothly and bring a smile to Mom's face. Look for the man who will not forget the little things in his quest for the bigger ones.

I remember the times when I had to face the struggles of my life and you were the one to teach me that these struggles made us stronger. You taught me that we might not control the conditions of our life, but we can certainly control how we react to them. You taught me to build my strength from my troubles. Look for the man who doesn't get swayed by adversity, but emerges stronger from it.

Most importantly, you gave me my belief in God. You taught me to see Him in all the little things of my life. You gave me my unwavering faith. You taught me to be kind and helpful and guileless. You taught me everything I know and made me everything I am. You are my hero and my inspiration. I know no man can ever measure up to you. Still, look for the man who embodies even a little of all that you are. He might not have a huge house or a lot of money. But if he has the same qualities that you have, then I will be the luckiest girl in the world.

Always Yours,