Boys Birthday Bash
"Did you buy it at Max-Mart?" asked Brody.
His mass of dark curls bounced as he shook the package.
Deep brown eyes turned to meet mine as he waited for my reply.
"No, Brody, we didn’t. Grandpa and I searched the “Wacky Wonders” toy store in town for something special for your birthday."
His face flickered disappointment, his fingers quickly removed the wrapping and he disinterestedly set aside our carefully chosen gift.
Next he opened a parcel from his Great Grandma and a bright blue and red Superman Action Figure rolled out.
“Where did you get it?” he asked.
“Oh, just Max-Mart, Honey. That’s where the seniors’ bus goes on Tuesdays. I don’t get out much since I gave up my car.”
“That’s okay,” said Brody. “Have you got the receipt?”
As Brody opened his gifts one by one, we noticed that he sorted them into two piles. At just eight years old, Brody was a budding businessman. He had a plan.
Within a week he had been to Max-Mart with a bagful of gifts and matching receipts. He returned with a neon green and black TrackTreads 360 X remote control vehicle – ‘flips on caterpillar tracks and climbs over any obstacle in its path!’
His honesty disarms me. He makes no show of unfelt gratitude. He does not lie or fake pleasure. His love for us, so evident whenever we meet, does not depend upon our choice of gift for him. I treasure this lad's frankness.
This year, for his ninth birthday treat we picked him up from his house and took him Go-Karting. No wrapped gift with a bow on top, just two circuits of the track with two cousins and a hot dog afterwards. We celebrated three grandsons' birthdays in one day.
And Brody said, as we dropped him off at his home, "This is the best day of my life!"
Trying to buy a gift that kids will actually like, is so difficult, I usually get a gift card or cash, then they can get what they want, also I think it’s disappointing for the giver as well as the recipient, when the gift isn’t something they like.
You got me! I thought you were going to make a lesson about not being grateful for the gifts you receive. Nice.