The Most Awesome Gifts, Literally

I am decluttering right now. Yes, it feels good. More living space. Less to manage. More for others.
 
But one thing I simply can’t part with is a gift I received a decade ago from an industry friend who is the high priestess of gift giving. (Yes, it’s what she does for a living – designing memorable gift and recognition programs for clients) but she also practices it herself in an exponentially exceptional way.
 
When I was going through a tough time in my life, this kindred spirit friend – whom I only see sporadically at national trade shows – sent me this simple yet incredible book called The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha. This easy-reading compilation of all things awesome - such as snow days, bakery air and licking batter off the cake beaters – along with her sweet personal message made this a life keeper. A book that has earned dog-eared permanent residency on my night stand, and a gift I now present to others.  

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More special was the note-turned-bookmark she included, which read, “You are awesome! Even in the face of a less than awesome year you still shined. As you rediscover the awesome in your life again, I hope this helps. God bless, you rare gem – Glenda.”

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Do you know how many times I have read these, Glenda Stormes-Bice? How many days and nights – through worse and better times – these gifts lifted my spirit, right out of a woe-is-me pity party? As many as the things we have to be thankful for, Glenda, I assure you.

One especially thankful moment happened two weeks ago during a visit from my son, daughter-in-law and 5-month-old granddaughter, here from Germany on their way to their new military station in Colorado. It was the last night before they left. Our families were hanging out, eating pizza, watching a game, and then the music started. Live accordion playing, singing, swaying and dancing with the baby.

​I looked around the room at all the merriment, the smiles. My daughter bouncing the baby to the beat. My son cooing at her with her favorite daddy sounds. My daughter-in-law's adoring right-to-sleep momma cuddles. My husband and her other grandparents all beaming at the angelic wonder. Friends and family belting out old tunes. Toasting the good times, toasting each other.
 
And then there’s me with tears streaming down my face. 
 
“Look… Mom is crying,” my daughter whispered to my son. They both smiled. They knew it was a happy cry. They got it. What a mother dreams about. The best gift EVER.
 
Life’s greatest gift. LOVE. FAMILY. FRIENDS. NEW LIFE. JOY. 
 
So in this season of decluttering - and also of gift giving and gratefulness - here’s hoping that you experience your own version of The Book of Awesome. 
 
Awesomeness…
 
Scarlet

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