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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Family
- Published: 04/03/2019
My son's Birthday
Born 1999, M, from Chennai, India“Happy birthday my dear son!!!!!”.
I hugged him tight as he slightly opened his eyes from his sleep. It was midnight and I just couldn’t wait to wish him. He is 10!! Time runs by real fast making me feel old. I planned so many kisses on his cheek and cuddled with him forever.
“Where’s my present mom”?, he asked.
“It’s waiting for you , baby. I have taken off from work so I can spend the whole day with you. Now let’s get some sleep before we get the most special day in my life started.”
With that , I put him to bed and decided to take some rest myself.
The next morning, things were quite smooth. A pleasant day, beautiful sunlight. And of course, no matter the weather, this is always the most special day in my life because my baby boy was born. But it wasn’t just a special for me, but it was also a Special day for my domestic helper. She is practically a part of my family. She has been helping me since the birth of my boy. This day is special to her as well because her boy was born the same day as well, and he just turned 10 too.
“Hey,Glen”. She smiled at me with so much happiness in her face.
“Hey, Mary. Special day isn’t? What have you got planned”?
“Well, like I said, I really need the day off like I asked you earlier since I am planning on being with my son the whole day.”
“Ofcourse, Mary, Ofcourse. I totally understand that. So, what have you got him? I must think he is pretty excited for his present?”
“I wish I had something. But you know, Financial constraints, the best I can get him is the entire day with me and my undivided attention. But hey, he is very happy about it!!”.
I nodded understandingly.
“Well, when I was buying my son a present I remembered your son was born the same day too. So I bought him a little something as well. I hope that’s OK with you? You can give it to him ofcourse if you want to”.
“Really? That’s so sweet of you Glen. But, you should be the one giving it to him. He loves you a lot!! He will be thrilled to know you know him something. I will bring him over here by evening.”
“Sure thing. Have a nice day with your boy. See ya.”
With that, I further started preparing the day to make it as special as I can for my son. I made his favourite breakfast, picked up his new clothes, new shoes, and new everything I could think of.
“I am ready mom!!!!”. My son shouted from the other room. He looked so handsome and cute. I just couldn’t from cuddling him though I knew I was crushing his brand new clothes.
“Time for my present!!!!”. He shouted in my ears.
“Yes, Yes, ofcourse. In fact, I got two presents for you. One now, and one later tonight. Sounds good?”.
He nodded.
“Great.”
This particular present was of great sentimental value to me. This was given to me, by my mom. It was a simple yet a very creative and a meaningful present for me. I have never read it to anyone, but I decided it was time I passed on my “most special gift” in my life from my mom to my most special son.
It’s basically a Poem, telling me how special I was to her. Back then, we did not have the money to buy “real” presents, so my childhood was only filled with presents which were directly made from heart.
“Honey, do you remember the present I told you about your grandmother gave me for my 10th Birthday?”.
“Yes mom. I guess…um…But why are you asking me that? Where is my present now??!!!!!”.
He was getting restless. But that makes sense, he is a kid, and they don’t want to be asked about past history just before they are about to receive their birthday presents.
“Well, I think it is time for you to have it now.”
With that, I showed him a beautiful wrapped sheet of paper in a pink Envelope. In my mind, I have thought about this moment a lot of times, and usually, I imagined my son going crazy when he sees it and hugged me tight and thanking me.
Well, I was pretty much wrong about that, except for the me being crazy part. My son’s reaction proved that I was very well crazy for even thinking that he would give a positive reaction.
“This is it? Is this my real present?”. He asked, in a VERY disappointed way.
I didn’t know how to respond since this was the exact opposite reaction of what I had imagined.
“Well, you haven’t read it yet. Come on, read it!!”.
I tried to sound excited but it too went in vain. He just threw the paper in anger, or tantrum since he is a kid and he ran to his room.
I had no idea what to do. It was his Birthday and to feel like I have already disappointed him first thing in the morning did not make it easy on me. I took a moment to compose myself. First thing I did was take that Envelope and touch it to my chest. It was so damn special to me and it doesn’t mean anything for my son.
“Honey, you ok?”. I knocked on his door.
“I am sorry you didn’t like that present, but there is a whole day ahead of us, so come on, let’s buy you something special.”
He walked over to me unhappily and nodded.
I tried my best to cheer him up thought it seems it’s not a easy job to cheer up a boy after giving him a bad present. We went to the mall, played some games, ate at a very fancy restaurant, met his friends, had a small birthday party at my mother’s house and Finally returned home by night.
“So, did you enjoy the day, honey.”
He nodded.
“But you did not give me a present mom.”
“Well, we’ll see about that.”
I opened the door slowly to my living room and there it was. A brand new play station. That was my second gift of the day. Now this one, got the exact reaction I had imagined in my mind, or an even better one.
My son jumped in joy, ran all over the house, gave me so many hugs and kisses on my cheek, probably more than he had given me in an entire year.
“This is great mom!!! So cool!!!!!”
This is the moment isn’t? The moment when we make our kids happy. I was very glad. Very Very glad.
I let him have his time with his new game and decided to rest a bit myself.
“Hey Glen.”
“Oh Hey Mary. I was just resting for a bit, had a long day.”
“Yeah, I stopped by around evening. You weren’t home so I came back again.”
“Ah Yeah, longer than I expected.”
She was holding her son’s hand tightly.
“Come here kiddo.”
I smiled and opened my arms for a hug. He ran into me and I hugged tight, patting his back and wishing a very happy birthday.
“And hey, Glen, do you mind if my son play’s with yours? He is quite intrigued about that thing you have in your living room.”
“Ofcourse. No problem at all.”
The boy smiled at me and went to the living room.
“So, how was your day?”
I asked her.
“It was the best. We just stayed in, ate some nice home made meals, and talked and played for hours. I even wrote him a Poem and he loves it!!!”
I smiled.
“Well, that’s great to hear. Do you mind if I rest a bit? Look at for the boys and feel free to make yourself comfortable.”
She nodded and closed the door on her way out.
Did I rest? No. I couldn’t. I couldn’t help but think how my son turned down a gift which was so precious for me and he accepted that game thing.
Yes, he is young. Yes he doesn’t understand sentiment yet. But, People don’t change their ways when they get old either do they? Mary’s son is the same 10 years old, and he was able to enjoy the simple gift of being able to spend the whole day with his mom.
And my son here, was way more happy to see the play station than he was when I told him I will spend the whole day with him.
And the moment he threw my mom’s poem just like that, kept rewinding in my mind.
Are we raising our kids wrong? I definitely guess so.
Their whole life, we have always done what’s best for them. And most of assume what’s “best” is expensive and “cool”. This was evident when my son told me his play station was “cool” and when he threw my mom’s Poem which actually was the “real” cool thing for me.
Is it the kid’s mistake? Of course not. They learn what we teach.
It’s our job to teach them, educate them to value things for what they are made of, and not for the prize tag.
It’s our job to teach them things made of love and sentiments are worth lot more than thousands of bucks spent on “cool” show items.
Of course he is just 10 years and it is unfair to expect him to understand the value of my mom’s gift. But the same 10 year old, who was raised in a different environment, who was never able to spend a day with his mom, was very happy and thought it was “cool” that his mom set aside the entire day for him.
I guess what I am saying is, teach your kids to be happy of things that come from real people, with real love for them.
I hope, one day, my son understands what he did today was wrong and eventually, I hope the real “cool” thing here is my mom’s gift.
My son's Birthday(Vaibhav)
“Happy birthday my dear son!!!!!”.
I hugged him tight as he slightly opened his eyes from his sleep. It was midnight and I just couldn’t wait to wish him. He is 10!! Time runs by real fast making me feel old. I planned so many kisses on his cheek and cuddled with him forever.
“Where’s my present mom”?, he asked.
“It’s waiting for you , baby. I have taken off from work so I can spend the whole day with you. Now let’s get some sleep before we get the most special day in my life started.”
With that , I put him to bed and decided to take some rest myself.
The next morning, things were quite smooth. A pleasant day, beautiful sunlight. And of course, no matter the weather, this is always the most special day in my life because my baby boy was born. But it wasn’t just a special for me, but it was also a Special day for my domestic helper. She is practically a part of my family. She has been helping me since the birth of my boy. This day is special to her as well because her boy was born the same day as well, and he just turned 10 too.
“Hey,Glen”. She smiled at me with so much happiness in her face.
“Hey, Mary. Special day isn’t? What have you got planned”?
“Well, like I said, I really need the day off like I asked you earlier since I am planning on being with my son the whole day.”
“Ofcourse, Mary, Ofcourse. I totally understand that. So, what have you got him? I must think he is pretty excited for his present?”
“I wish I had something. But you know, Financial constraints, the best I can get him is the entire day with me and my undivided attention. But hey, he is very happy about it!!”.
I nodded understandingly.
“Well, when I was buying my son a present I remembered your son was born the same day too. So I bought him a little something as well. I hope that’s OK with you? You can give it to him ofcourse if you want to”.
“Really? That’s so sweet of you Glen. But, you should be the one giving it to him. He loves you a lot!! He will be thrilled to know you know him something. I will bring him over here by evening.”
“Sure thing. Have a nice day with your boy. See ya.”
With that, I further started preparing the day to make it as special as I can for my son. I made his favourite breakfast, picked up his new clothes, new shoes, and new everything I could think of.
“I am ready mom!!!!”. My son shouted from the other room. He looked so handsome and cute. I just couldn’t from cuddling him though I knew I was crushing his brand new clothes.
“Time for my present!!!!”. He shouted in my ears.
“Yes, Yes, ofcourse. In fact, I got two presents for you. One now, and one later tonight. Sounds good?”.
He nodded.
“Great.”
This particular present was of great sentimental value to me. This was given to me, by my mom. It was a simple yet a very creative and a meaningful present for me. I have never read it to anyone, but I decided it was time I passed on my “most special gift” in my life from my mom to my most special son.
It’s basically a Poem, telling me how special I was to her. Back then, we did not have the money to buy “real” presents, so my childhood was only filled with presents which were directly made from heart.
“Honey, do you remember the present I told you about your grandmother gave me for my 10th Birthday?”.
“Yes mom. I guess…um…But why are you asking me that? Where is my present now??!!!!!”.
He was getting restless. But that makes sense, he is a kid, and they don’t want to be asked about past history just before they are about to receive their birthday presents.
“Well, I think it is time for you to have it now.”
With that, I showed him a beautiful wrapped sheet of paper in a pink Envelope. In my mind, I have thought about this moment a lot of times, and usually, I imagined my son going crazy when he sees it and hugged me tight and thanking me.
Well, I was pretty much wrong about that, except for the me being crazy part. My son’s reaction proved that I was very well crazy for even thinking that he would give a positive reaction.
“This is it? Is this my real present?”. He asked, in a VERY disappointed way.
I didn’t know how to respond since this was the exact opposite reaction of what I had imagined.
“Well, you haven’t read it yet. Come on, read it!!”.
I tried to sound excited but it too went in vain. He just threw the paper in anger, or tantrum since he is a kid and he ran to his room.
I had no idea what to do. It was his Birthday and to feel like I have already disappointed him first thing in the morning did not make it easy on me. I took a moment to compose myself. First thing I did was take that Envelope and touch it to my chest. It was so damn special to me and it doesn’t mean anything for my son.
“Honey, you ok?”. I knocked on his door.
“I am sorry you didn’t like that present, but there is a whole day ahead of us, so come on, let’s buy you something special.”
He walked over to me unhappily and nodded.
I tried my best to cheer him up thought it seems it’s not a easy job to cheer up a boy after giving him a bad present. We went to the mall, played some games, ate at a very fancy restaurant, met his friends, had a small birthday party at my mother’s house and Finally returned home by night.
“So, did you enjoy the day, honey.”
He nodded.
“But you did not give me a present mom.”
“Well, we’ll see about that.”
I opened the door slowly to my living room and there it was. A brand new play station. That was my second gift of the day. Now this one, got the exact reaction I had imagined in my mind, or an even better one.
My son jumped in joy, ran all over the house, gave me so many hugs and kisses on my cheek, probably more than he had given me in an entire year.
“This is great mom!!! So cool!!!!!”
This is the moment isn’t? The moment when we make our kids happy. I was very glad. Very Very glad.
I let him have his time with his new game and decided to rest a bit myself.
“Hey Glen.”
“Oh Hey Mary. I was just resting for a bit, had a long day.”
“Yeah, I stopped by around evening. You weren’t home so I came back again.”
“Ah Yeah, longer than I expected.”
She was holding her son’s hand tightly.
“Come here kiddo.”
I smiled and opened my arms for a hug. He ran into me and I hugged tight, patting his back and wishing a very happy birthday.
“And hey, Glen, do you mind if my son play’s with yours? He is quite intrigued about that thing you have in your living room.”
“Ofcourse. No problem at all.”
The boy smiled at me and went to the living room.
“So, how was your day?”
I asked her.
“It was the best. We just stayed in, ate some nice home made meals, and talked and played for hours. I even wrote him a Poem and he loves it!!!”
I smiled.
“Well, that’s great to hear. Do you mind if I rest a bit? Look at for the boys and feel free to make yourself comfortable.”
She nodded and closed the door on her way out.
Did I rest? No. I couldn’t. I couldn’t help but think how my son turned down a gift which was so precious for me and he accepted that game thing.
Yes, he is young. Yes he doesn’t understand sentiment yet. But, People don’t change their ways when they get old either do they? Mary’s son is the same 10 years old, and he was able to enjoy the simple gift of being able to spend the whole day with his mom.
And my son here, was way more happy to see the play station than he was when I told him I will spend the whole day with him.
And the moment he threw my mom’s poem just like that, kept rewinding in my mind.
Are we raising our kids wrong? I definitely guess so.
Their whole life, we have always done what’s best for them. And most of assume what’s “best” is expensive and “cool”. This was evident when my son told me his play station was “cool” and when he threw my mom’s Poem which actually was the “real” cool thing for me.
Is it the kid’s mistake? Of course not. They learn what we teach.
It’s our job to teach them, educate them to value things for what they are made of, and not for the prize tag.
It’s our job to teach them things made of love and sentiments are worth lot more than thousands of bucks spent on “cool” show items.
Of course he is just 10 years and it is unfair to expect him to understand the value of my mom’s gift. But the same 10 year old, who was raised in a different environment, who was never able to spend a day with his mom, was very happy and thought it was “cool” that his mom set aside the entire day for him.
I guess what I am saying is, teach your kids to be happy of things that come from real people, with real love for them.
I hope, one day, my son understands what he did today was wrong and eventually, I hope the real “cool” thing here is my mom’s gift.
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Heather Lacks
01/26/2020It is the rare person that appreciates what he has before he has lost it. A worthwhile reminder.
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