An Irreplaceable Gift

Over time things will wear, fade and change; but, they will continue to exist whether physical, in pictures, or in your memories.  Christmas of 2003 I was given a special gift that was a grey stuffed cat.  Opening the box from my Grandma was amazing.  I had such a big thrill tearing through the wrapping paper to discover the new treasure hiding inside.  At first glimpse, I just saw a grey stuffed cat, with three stripes on the head, and white paws.  Looking more closely however, I could see the plush, beautifully light grey colored cat who had tiny delicate curls throughout the body and the dark grey stripes so carefully placed directly over the eyes.  The plush fabric was delicate and soft to touch and the size was so astonishing for my small frame.  Twelve years later, the white paws have started to darken and the three dark grey stripes have almost vanished completely.  To any other person they may see an old stuffed worn toy animal, I see so much more.  It reminds me of so many memories of playing with my toy cat with friends, my two brothers and especially of my Grandma. 

Remembering the cat not only brings back so many special memories from my childhood; but, also makes me realize how much I have grown and matured.  If I currently opened a present that was a stuffed cat, I would be disappointed and extremely disillusioned.  Who wants another old stuffed animal when you could receive a new iPhone or car?  As a child, every gift seemed so amazing and exciting even if it was only a small stuffed animal.  It has created the realization that you should appreciate everything in life, even if it is only a small stuffed toy for the possibilities are limitless.  That particular toy is a very special reminder of my Grandma, who lived with our family, and the many memories we were able to create together.  It makes me realize that not every gift received has to be as amazing as a new iPhone because the smaller things are often what mean the most.  These gifts that are given with thought and love symbolize so much more than the expensive and popular ones.   As you get older, especially in your teenage years, the trade off is that everything needs to be bigger and better.  Sometimes we just need to slow down and enjoy life and appreciate every little moment as what was consistently expressed to me by my Grandma.