Lesson of the Summer: Kids Give Great Gifts

Gifts have always impacted me deeply. No, I'm not talking of the gifts given at Christmas or birthdays (although those sometimes deeply impact me too). I'm talking about those gifts that you show off to others, not because it's the latest iPhone, but because with this gift you know that you are deeply loved and were deeply thought of in the creating of the gift.

Like the gift where my uncle unveiled a mini-fridge sized painting that he created for me for Christmas. The gift where my grandma preplanned a graduation card and gift for me before her death--a gift that I received two years after her death at my graduation party. 

A little note written from my dad on a Post-It, a letter from one of my best friends affirming me in the middle of a struggle.

These are the gifts that stick with me through the years. They are the ones I save and treasure, relaying a story with each one, a story of the creator of the gift, and the relationship behind it.

This summer I have received my fair share of gifts. I truly believe that children express love through gifts--colored pictures, crafts, anything tactile. Oh, and hugs. Hugs are definitely up on the list. I want to share these gifts with you, and the stories and people behind them.  





It was one of my first days at South Street during the evening's Urban Gardens. I carried my notebook with me (it was the first day; Of course I had to be prepared!). She came up to me, asking if she could write me a note in my notebook. How was I to say no? Twenty minutes later, the notebook had been passed around and five pages were filled with hearts, stick figures, smiles, and notes of love. Even though I didn't know her well, I could see her desire especially to create something I would love, as she took the initiative to ask if she could create me something. This was one of the first gifts.  

Within the first few weeks, I was honored with my first gift from Artist Boy, age 7. At this point, I was not aware of his extreme love for arts and crafts--he was simply another young child creating something. He walked over to me, "Here you go! This is for you!" His front-toothless, sincere grin made me giggle, immediately feeling honored to have such a piece. "Thank you," I replied, smiling.

Artist Boy was intensely creating a masterpiece. Eyebrows furrowed, I watch him focus and blend colors and textures, already having a natural inclination for art. I find myself pleading that as he grows older that his talent in art will be encouraged, not discouraged. I see seeds of discouragement and disdain from others towards his love of art already; my heart breaks. 

Artist Boy places this artwork in my hands. I pause. "Is this for me?" I can't believe that he would let me have this craft that he worked on for the entire block. This was a special craft, not just something created from the Upper Room's plethora of supplies. A volunteer brought this craft in. He smiles and nods at me, walking away. "Wait, buddy, wait! Come back here!" He strolls back on over. "What is it?" There is an immediate look of overdramatic sullenness on his face and I quickly clarify, "No no no! I love it! I really do! I just want to be able to tell people what your beautiful creation is! Is it a fish? A hot air  balloon? An ice cream cone?"  I felt like I was grasping at straws. He wouldn't let me know what  he meant for it to be, but that didn't really matter. I went home and showed off his gift for family, friends, anyone that would listen. 

My favorite gift from Artist Boy. I was busy creating bracelets one day, and he pestered to have some of the supplies. Trying to focus on what I was doing, I quickly relented, telling him to take whatever he needed. Five minutes later he came back, "IT'S A PERSON!" he exclaimed, putting it into my hands. I could only stare at him in awe. 

Artist Boy may have expressed a lot through art, but there were two other gifts from the summer that are definitely going back to college with me, as they came from two young ladies who aren't very expressive through words, yet managed to express love through gifts.

*  *  *

She had had an impact on me since day one. Although we're ten years apart, I sensed in her a common spirit with myself. Under her fiery and sometimes fighting personality I saw passion, a thirst for things to be right in the world, and a desire to change yet maybe not being aware of what that meant or how to make change happen. 

It was late July. I was preoccupied with maintaining Camp. She came up to me and wrapped a string around my neck. Disoriented, I turned around to see her walk away. Later, she came up behind me, put this necklace around my neck, and tied it secure. I couldn't even hold in my joy. "You!" I said, turning and giving her a hug. We sat there like that for a while, me finally being able to say, "Thank you so much." I wore this necklace on the last day of camp as a gift to her. She noticed. We're both in agreement that there will be tears with the goodbye.   

Mari. I knew she was making this for me, yet that didn't lessen the impact this gift had. With each sassy comment about how long it was taking her to make this, I could see the underlying excitement to give me this gift. "It's a butterfly! I absolutely LOVE butterflies, Mari!"  She responded with such sass, "I know, that's why I picked it." I couldn't help but laugh and feel incredibly loved and thought of at the same time. She gave it to me with a blunt, "Amber! Here you go." I literally squealed in excitement and tackled her with a hug. "THIS IS SO GREAT! I'M GOING TO PUT IT ON MY WALL!" 

With each thoughtful gift received and each thoughtful gift given, there is an underlying reality that love is underneath each gift. And that, my friends, is what drives me to keep on giving gifts to others, affirming and expressing my deep love for them. And it is what makes gift receiving one of the greatest affirmations of love that one can ever give me. 

What's the most thoughtful, loving gift you've ever received from another?