Duke pulled Chris & I aside last night. He had a letter and a box I wrapped in gold wrapping paper for a story telling speech Chris did for his public speaking final. The story was "The Gold Box" and it was a big deal here because Chris practiced his version of the story every night for a couple weeks. It's a beautiful story with a sad ending. I was surprised my husband chose to tell it but knew why he did. It's the type of reminder all parents need every once in awhile. I knew Duke loved the story but I didn't think it would inspire him to make his own gold box for us. I didn't take a picture of what was inside the box - real thoughtful little things of his: a small camera, a Snoopy keychain, a Despicable Me 2 pen, a fake gold coin, a bell, a snowflake ornament and a dollar. Each of those items holds a special memory, the camera for me, Snoopy for the times we visit Knott's, a bell like in the story The Polar Express...
But it wasn't the gold box or the special gifts inside... it was this letter.
I started crying. Straight up ugly crying. Chris and I grabbed him and hugged him so tight, gave him a million kisses and told him we loved him - he smiled and ran away from us... And Chris held me, fighting back his own tears while I cried into his chest. I can't explain the wave of "we did good" that ate us up. Do yourself a favor and read the gold box story and pat yourself on the back for doing good. Labels: Christmas Gift, Kids, Letter, Parenting, Story, The Gold Box