Presence Not Presents

Image a group of pre teens all hanging around. Watching their friend open their gifts. Before she does one friend turns and says I hope you like your gift. It’s cute to see the nervousness and excitement. But from

The person giving then getting.  With hopes and anticipation that the receiver will appreciate it. 

This happened the other day when my daughter was opening her gifts. She then turned to her friend and said at 11 years old. 

“I  don’t care about the presents I care about your presence.”

My mouth hit the floor. At that exact moment I knew my job as a parent paid off. Like big time. I turned to her and said I am so proud of you for saying that. That’s extremely mature. Well it’s true she replied. 

How amazing can life be if we all felt that way. If we all made people feel that way. It’s the gift of having you here with me that matters. Nothing else. I don’t care about what comes along with it. You being here is enough. 

Beautiful. We all should make people feel like that. Myself included. It taught me a lot in a fast moment. I hope it teaches you something too.