It’s the thought that counts

I was talking with L, the secretary at work, about how I’m not going to participate in the ‘white elephant’ gift exchange. When she asked why, I explained that I don’t care for expected giving, it seems to take some of the fun out of it if the person expects a gift. Our party is on Friday, which also happens to be my birthday.

Today, when I went in my office, on my desk was a small desk calendar with a little note from L explaining that this would not be an ‘expected’ gift, since it wasn’t my birthday yet.

I was ECSTATIC. I know the calendar didn’t cost much, but that doesn’t matter. I had been looking and looking for a calendar the right size that didn’t cost $12.00 and while she was out shopping yesterday, she went into a dollar store and found exactly what I was looking for. I was like a little kid I was so giddy over this calendar.

It reminds me of one of the most precious gifts I ever received from my ex-husband. Hallmark has (or at least had) these little pocket calendars that they’d give away every year and I would always get one to keep in my purse. This particular year, however, I couldn’t find one anywhere. I had looked at all the Hallmark stores in ours and several neighboring towns but they were all gone.

On my birthday, my husband apologized about not being able to afford much, but he did have a card for me. When I opened the card, there inside was one of those little calendars. I was never so pleased with anything he’s given me and it didn’t cost him a cent. The time, thought, and effort he put into that gift meant more to me than anything.

Hmmm….I just realized, both stories involve a calendar….maybe I have a calendar fetish….