I just got back from a gathering of friends. This gathering was celebrating the 2nd birthday of a wonderful little girl. Now of course the parents said that gifts were not required, so I didn’t buy any. Instead, I handed out memories to the 4 children of my friends. These were very specific memories for me and my children. It is hard to pass on memories when only one side knows what they are. So I am writing about those memories so, if the parents desire, these memories can be passed on to their children.
My wife collected three things during our marriage. One collection was pets, mostly chinchillas. Another was raccoons. When it got tough to find different raccoons, she started collecting Eeyores. Yes, that little gray (blue) donkey that Disney made so popular. The one from the Pooh Bear stories. For those who don’t know it, Eeyore was a gloomy little donkey, who had the most down to earth, sad, outlook on life. Except for the rare occasions when he found good in the bad things that happened. It is that rare gift to find the good during the bad times that captivated my wife with this character, other than the fact she though he was just soooo cute.
Our house was filled with Eeyore things. Eeyore jewelery, clothes, dishes and cups and of course the stuffed Eeyores. There was an Eeyore for winter, Christmas, Summer, Fall and spring. There is even a Halloween Eeyore. Eeyores of every shape and size. These filled the house and our lives.
After my wife died, some of the Eeyores went to family members. I gave her sister a dress Eeyore watch, since she likes Eeyore too. I gave some stuffed Eeyores to my daughters and niece, so they could have something to hold on too. I gave at least 1 Eeyore sweatshirt to each daughter, so they could have something warm to wrap up in. Most of the stuffed Eeyores I kept and I held onto them for me. The Eeyores never left the family until today.
I gave 4 small donkeys to the children of my friends. 1 was especially for babies, so their youngest could have one too. Two were identical donkeys, (not quite Eeyores) that were bought by my children (ok, it was Dad’s money) to give to their Mother for some special day. A fourth was one my wife would carry with her to give a little comfort in times of stress, this one was given to the birthday girl.
These were gifts of fond memories that we had as a family. These were not expensive, but they are gifts most rare. These were gifts of the heart. From one family to another, a shared blessing of the good things in life: Love, commitment, honor, trust and just a bit of pessimism.
Always looking for hope, and sometimes I happen to find it
I’m sure they all appreciated it. The best gifts are indeed the ones that come from the heart. I have always been an Eeyore fan, as well.
I had no idea of the sentiment of the gifts, and I’m so glad I know now. I will make sure my kids understand the meaning of them and that they treasure them always. It is an honor to be the first recipient of O’s Eeyores outside of family. We are touched, honored and grateful to have such wonderful friends. Thank you for being there to celebrate Disney’s special day and all of the special days we have. You guys are the best!
Oh, yeah, and I have always loved Eeyore as well! When I was younger, I had one that brayed.
Hmm, never had one that made any noises, other than the rattle an one with jingle bells.
Anyway, I’m just sharing some of the love my family has had over the years with another family. I just feel the need to do that on occasion.
Our family is so touched. You and your family have been friends beyond measure. We are humbled by your trust in giving us such precious gifts.