I have been doing a Monday Memory for several months and enjoy recording some events of my past and my family. One Christmas ( Boy Wonder was 4) we had a special Christmas and opened our gifts early. The children were still very young so this story is for them as they might not remember it.

We had a small home and three curious children. No matter where I hid the gifts someone was always "accidentally " finding them. So, I left the gifts at a friends house and wrapped them there while Boy Wonder was napping and the girls were in school. The only thing I hadn't counted on was how to transport them back to my house.

My friend, who stored the gifts was going through a very rough time as her mother "Granny Grubbs" was slowly dying of cancer and it we all knew it would be her last Christmas. Granny Grubbs was always full of life and my children were naturally drawn to her. As we began loading the gifts in the car (while my friend distracted the children) Granny looked very wistful and asked reluctantly ..."Do you think the children could open just one gift? It has been so long time since we have had children in the house and I would love to see them open a gift."

My tenderhearted husband took one look at Granny and said, "They can open them all right here, right now and you can be a part of it all." So without blinking an eye Mr. Wonderful took all the gifts and placed them under the tree and calling the children over "explained to them" how Santa thought it would be a great idea if we shared our Christmas with Granny and her family.

Opening presents right here, right now, definitely agreed with them so we began our Christmas ritual. Mr. Wonderful "played Santa" and the gifts were passed out one at a time starting with the youngest. Boy Wonder opened the "Bat mobile " and started playing with it immediately. He made the car noises and the next thing we knew laughing Granny was on the floor playing Bat Man with him.

Baby Girl opened a Barbie and once again Granny was there to" oooh and aaah" and help pick out just the right outfit . My kids had a blast but Granny had the best time of them all.

Each gift brought out more smiles and giggles and we watched a 70 plus year old transform into a school girl once again. My children loved the attention and when all the gifts were opened they "fought" over who got to play with Granny as they all wanted her to themselves. It was a special Christmas for me as I learned a valuable lesson that year and in less than a month Granny would be a precious memory. The special Christmas gift Granny gave me was the gift of living in the moment and living it well.

The gifts weren't the star of the show.....it was the look of pure joy on Granny's face and the love my children were able to share with her.

Labels: Andy, Becky, Monday memories, Suzy