Time

One of my favorite things about my youngest daughter is that she likes to spend time with me.  She doesn't need anything extravagant or expensive, just time.  We can walk together.  We can play multiple games, work on a puzzle or play in the garden.  She is happiest when we are together and she is good about telling me.  When I make time just for her she couldn't be more thankful.

When those moments come she reminds me of my the time I spent with her.  Once I got my driver's license I made a point to visit with her at least every other week.  We played Skip Bo and ate Almond Roca.  She didn't remember how to play the game form one week to the next, but she played anyway just to spend time with me. 

She often told me she didn't want any gifts from me, my visit was all she wanted.  She cherished every moment I was with her, was thankful that I took time to sit and have coffee with her.  She told me how much she appreciated it over and over.  I knew with certainty that a phone call could make her day because she told me, so I called.  I visited and I made time for her.

When she died I didn't regret anything.  I knew that I gave my grandma the most valuable gift I could ever giver her, time.  I gave her as much time as I could.  I never tried to substitute money for time, I simply showed up.

Christmas has ended and the gifts have been given.  Eventually the sweater will go out of style.  The shoes will wear out.  The technology will be obsolete.  The time spent will never be lost or forgotten.  The days spent in one another's presence will never fade or go out of style.  I don't always have to see loved ones on specific holidays because the time I am with them is a special day even if it doesn't say so on the calendar.