No Strings Attached

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High School me…

Once complimented a friend…on a new sweater…my mom bought it for me…she said…when we went shopping…this seemed foreign…to high school me…her mom bought her something for no reason…just a random gift…while out and about…

Embarrassing to admit…but this had never crossed high school me’s mind…in our house you got a few gifts for your birthday…one souvenir on vacation…a few new school clothes in August…and Christmas gifts…from Santa…

Nothing else was expected…nothing else…was ever asked for…for even when those scheduled gifts were given…there were always…repercussions…

Money was tight…this was understood…on the day this old gal turned 14…she started her first job washing dishes…after that…clothes…school supplies…glasses…contacts…were paid from that…

But those gifts…those unavoidable gifts received as a child…came with a price…the price of guilt…after the gifts were given…so came the meltdowns…the wailings…the I shouldn’t have spent the money…the why did I spend the money…

Gifts…were a weapon…

That’s why…gift giving…is this old gal’s love language…gifts just to say…you are special…no strings attached…

That’s why…those thoughtful gifts…from students…parents…friends…family…colored pages…written notes…homemade bracelets…things chosen with loving hearts…and given…with no strings attached…are so treasured…

So thank you…my precious ones…for all these years…of showing unconditional love…and acceptance…through your kind words…and thoughtful gestures…

For making this old gal feel special…with no…strings attached…
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And this husband of mine…agrees…