I received an e-mail – written by my dad’s co-worker, friend and, really, the son he never had. My dad died in 2005 and I miss him every day. Every day. The message made my heart sing and is the best gift I could receive this holiday season. So tell the stories, share the memories of those whose earthly journeys have ended. The memories – stories perhaps unknown – will give the gift of presence. The real celebration of this season.

The lovely message follows:

…I think about Don often, especially at Xmas time, because he so obviously loved Xmas and because he was just a naturally generous man.  I remember shopping with him- we never actually went on shopping trips, but there was incidental shopping on the way back from lunch.  I recall the year he bought each of his daughters a new dress coat, and him lugging 4 large boxes back to his office from Dayton’s. 

I know you know this, but your dad was a special man.  He was a huge influence in my life and he’s still thought about and missed by his friends as well as his family.  I hope you and your families are well and that you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Please give my best to your sisters. 

To whom can you send a memory gift  during the holidays?

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