Have you ever bought a gift for someone
and been unable to part with it? This year it was a leather purse. I have had
the affliction for a number of years−a great number. Of course, I would always
buy replacement gifts for my friends. At least, I hope I did. Yes, I am sure I
did.
I first noticed this eccentric glitch
when I purchased an address book for a long-time friend. The moment I saw the
book, I thought of her. Without question, I had to buy it. It was beautifully
illustrated and had Friendship quotes throughout. I leafed through the book,
stroked the cover, wrote down some of the quotes, and then tucked it in my desk
drawer. No, I could not let it go.
Now on the positive side, each time I
looked at the book I thought of my friend. However, I did feel a slight tug of
guilt. Well, it was not as if I actually used the book. I did not write phone
numbers or addresses in it. I did look through it often though.
After several years, I came clean. We
met for lunch and I had the book wrapped in tissue inside a gift bag. It was
not an occasion: it was time to part with the book.
I explained what happened. I never
worry about my friends thinking I am weird. If they have not figured that out
by the time we establish a close relationship, then ...yes, I am sure they have
figured it out.
Anyway, she was very good-natured about
my misgivings and thanked me, saying she had been meaning to buy an address
book. There, I felt better. I still think of the book and remember some of the
quotations. They remind me of the childhood friendship we shared.
Then, of course, there was the year I
bought the snow globe− the one with the mahogany base. Each year that I take it
from the decoration bin and unwrap it, I think of the friend I purchased it
for. We have not seen each other in over ten years. And you see, I have never
forgotten her. The globe is special to me. I place it on my dresser. It is
there for me to look at each morning and each night throughout the winter
season. Yes, I think of her often. I am certain she would have liked the snow
globe.
Ah, I can’t help remembering the
Christmas book. It was too long ago for me to recall where I bought it or the
circumstances surrounding the purchase. It was an appealing combination of
stories and recipes. A red satin ribbon bookmark attached to the spine. I knew
she would appreciate the quality and content. But, I just couldn’t give it to
her.
Each year I opened the book and
reverently turned the pages, thinking of my friend and remembering all the good
times we shared over the years. Our friendship was synonymous with this glossy
covered book, the jacket still in pristine condition. Yes, I took special care
of this book; the way one would a cherished friendship.
She visited one day and leafed through
the book herself. Do you like it, I asked. It’s beautiful, she replied. I knew
you would like it, I sighed. I bought it for you years ago. Her snorting laugh
was about what I expected. My closest friends knew.
Last year as I was packing away the
Christmas decorations, I sat on the floor with my treasured book, slowly
turning the pages, admiring the font, the stories, remembering the recipes, and
I decided. It was time. I wrapped it in tissue and delivered it to her. I could
not wait until the beginning of the next Christmas season. No, I had to give it
to her then. She could put it away and have it for next year. I had to give it
to her right away.
This year when I took out my Christmas
books, I missed the ritual of sitting cross-legged on the floor re-visiting the
pages of my friend’s edition, but knew I had done the right thing. I hope that
she enjoys the book as much as I did over the years.
The leather purse I bought this
Christmas will remind me of the intended recipient forever. I don’t think a
purse is something I would gift after I have used it, but just the same I will
remember this person each time I slide open the zipper or catch my keys on the
exquisite lining. Each time someone compliments the stylish handbag I will
think of her.
Who could ask for a better friend?
No comments:
Post a Comment