The Gift of Time

The kids and I have been trading messages about Christmas and what to do about buying gifts for each other this year. At a time when the kids are experiencing financial and time pressures, I have suggested that we skip the whole exercise this year in favour of spending quality time with each other. As I write this, two out of three have responded with their own affirmations. The third is no doubt jumping with joy and can’t settle down yet to respond in writing…

Now that the kids have grown and they are no longer a part of my daily life and the life of the family that is the Glovers, I feel that the greatest gift that my children can give me is their time. It is life in reverse; I have always believed that the greatest gift I can give my children, beyond unconditional love, is my time.

And, as if life is sent to remind you of the importance of family ties, we just received a visit from our young neighbour, Jonathon. His dad, Les, passed away early in the morning on Thursday. Les has been our neighbour for decades and was a constant in our little corner of the world. He was a taxi driver by profession and a big man in stature and personality.

Jonathon said that his dad died in his arms. It tore my heart in two to see this big, six feet + tall young man whisper through his tears as he delivered us the sorrowful message about the biggest man in his life.

Les and I always waved enthusiastically to each other when I would pass by in the car and he was outside. The last time we actually spoke was when he drove us in his taxi to the airport when Jim and I went to Vegas a few months ago. He told me on the ride to the airport that he wanted to take life easier and travel with his wife, like Jim and I were doing.

Now he won't get the chance.

While we wonder and worry about commercial gift-giving at Christmas, I am blindsided by the fact that Jonathon has had one of the greatest gifts in his life taken away just before Christmas.

His dad.

There is no doubt seeing him today that he would willingly relinquish every single gift he has received under each and every Christmas tree of his life -- just to have his dad back again.

Kelly sent us a quote in our back and forth messages:

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

I plan to be wrapped around Jim and the children this Christmas. Along the way, I will send a special prayer of gratitude for Les and the enduring power of his unintentional final message to me.

Be a Great Neighbour. Live Life. Travel. But most of all...Love those around you like there is no tomorrow. Wrap yourself in the gift of love that you wake up to each morning. Travel with them, and constantly remind them of your love, because some day they might travel alone.

Safe Journey, Les.