All my children love in different ways. Conrad's love language is quality time. Austin's is physical touch and Allison's is probably words of affirmation (haven't figured hers out completely yet.) But Derek's love language is the most obvious of all. He gives gifts.
Many times he gives me a drawing or a note or some paper craft that he has made just for me. On Valentine's Day, he hung a big red heart in the office. "I love you, Mom and Dad" it said. On my birthday, he gave me a special blank book that he had made himself. When the flaps were opened, they again revealed part of his heart. On Mother's Day it was an elaborate card with his love written inside. His eyes always glow when his gifts are aknowledged and accepted. (And of course, he especially enjoys when I exclaim with oohs! and aahs!)
Our recent trip to Cracow was one of those times. We traveled by train with John's two nephews for a fun two days exploring Cracow and also visiting Auschwitz (more on that in another post). We shopped on the town square and although most of it was window shopping for us, I always enjoy helping others shop and loved helping the nephews find gifts for their families.
Finally, we were seated on the train ready to come home. Derek's eyes sparkled as he handed me a paper-wrapped gift. "I bought it for you, Mama," he said. I carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a wooden plate with a scene from Cracow beautifully burned into the grain.
"You bought it for me, Derek? with your very own money? It's so pretty!"
"Yep, I had twenty zloties at home and this costed me twelve." He giggled nervously.
A lump rose in my throat. I wanted to squeeze him tightly. He had almost spent his last penny to buy a gift for me, his mom, and he was beaming happily. And that is my Derek. I know without a doubt that he loves me.
When we arrived home, I found a prominent nail in the office and hung it up to remind me of his selfless love to me. I tenderly rubbed my hand over the image burnt into the wood. Thank you again, Son. I will treasure this gift as long as I live!
Many times he gives me a drawing or a note or some paper craft that he has made just for me. On Valentine's Day, he hung a big red heart in the office. "I love you, Mom and Dad" it said. On my birthday, he gave me a special blank book that he had made himself. When the flaps were opened, they again revealed part of his heart. On Mother's Day it was an elaborate card with his love written inside. His eyes always glow when his gifts are aknowledged and accepted. (And of course, he especially enjoys when I exclaim with oohs! and aahs!)
Our recent trip to Cracow was one of those times. We traveled by train with John's two nephews for a fun two days exploring Cracow and also visiting Auschwitz (more on that in another post). We shopped on the town square and although most of it was window shopping for us, I always enjoy helping others shop and loved helping the nephews find gifts for their families.
Finally, we were seated on the train ready to come home. Derek's eyes sparkled as he handed me a paper-wrapped gift. "I bought it for you, Mama," he said. I carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a wooden plate with a scene from Cracow beautifully burned into the grain.
"You bought it for me, Derek? with your very own money? It's so pretty!"
"Yep, I had twenty zloties at home and this costed me twelve." He giggled nervously.
A lump rose in my throat. I wanted to squeeze him tightly. He had almost spent his last penny to buy a gift for me, his mom, and he was beaming happily. And that is my Derek. I know without a doubt that he loves me.
When we arrived home, I found a prominent nail in the office and hung it up to remind me of his selfless love to me. I tenderly rubbed my hand over the image burnt into the wood. Thank you again, Son. I will treasure this gift as long as I live!
Comments
Thanking God for His gift of little ones to daily bless our lives and remind us of HIS goodness to us,
Lez
Iain
No, I suppose I should have introduced myself better. I've been reading your blog for awhile and enjoying it. I am always interested in what people are doing halfway around the world...especially those working to bring light into the darkness. Hope you don't mind my eavesdropping.