Dad

Christmas. Father’s Day. Dad’s Birthday. All perplexing dilemmas. What do you give to the man who refers to gifts as “prizes”?

A daughter’s need to please her parents never fades. But pleasing my mother is usually quite simple. (Of course, she'd never tell me if she hated a gift anyway. She’s much too gracious.) But my dad?  He’d let me know if the wrapping paper wasn't quite right. After all, forthrightness is character-building. Oh what the heck - it’s all in good fun.

Anyway, this year an idea struck me in the realm of gift-giving. But first - a bit o' history about dear old Dad. Besides the fact that he’s difficult to buy for (what father isn’t?), he also happens to be a motorcycle enthusiast. And I'm not talking about your proverbial motorcycle guy. Show up with a brand new Harley Fatboy and you’ll get a polite smile. (He is genuinely a nice guy.) But show up with a '46 Indian Chief…now you’re talking turkey. You'll become inducted into the small fraternity my dad considers friends.  As a matter of fact, here’s the kind of stuff my Dad gets excited about – 

Rusty gas tank

Rust. Not chrome.

So last summer when he bought this fancy “new” 1984 Harley FX, equipped with a radio (c'mon Dad!), I couldn’t help but give my old man some guff. (Seriously -this is the guy who drove across South Dakota on a '45 Indian Bobber only a few years ago...I probably don't have the year correct on that Indian or the model on that Harley - will certainly receive a call on that.) So, kicking the tires on his shiny new motorcycle just didn't fit the bill. I asked him several times, “Why didn’t you just buy a Honda, Dad?” 

A Honda.  An idea struck me….One day, a few weeks before Christmas:

"Hey Dad! I got your Christmas present. And it involves motorcycles.”

I could see the gleam in his eyes....then the day came. On eve of Christmas. As he unwrapped the gift...and noticed the label on the box.

“It IS from a motorcycle superstore. You weren’t kidding!” He almost smiled, his almost-smile.

Then as logo-recognition set in, the excitement waned. Noticeably. Time stood still. 

“Oh, no. No. No.”  Slowly, he took the t-shirt out of the box. The t-shirt  -- that so audaciously displayed Honda's proud emblem.

Alex spoke up, “Oh Grandpa – that looks cool. I’ll wear it.”

“I’d never let my granddaughter wear that,” he spoke swiftly and sharply.

I sat back in my corner quietly and watched the scene play out. My prank had worked - and it had worked well, without suspicion. And with great laughter by all – except perhaps by the victim.

What will become of the Honda t-shirt? Only time will tell. It may come back haunt me. But most likely, I imagine, the t-shirt will be become shredded garage rags… 

the giver

Every once in awhile, I like to take note of my children's kindness meter. I realize that every child is the center of their own world, but eventually they take steps out to discover the joy of putting others before themselves. RIght? Alex seems to have progressed beautifully into a kind, loving and generous young lady. I wish I would've documented her development so that I had some sort of baseline to compare Cole's development...

This year I asked the kids what was the best gift that they GAVE this year?

Alex took a moment to ponder, then finally replied, "Probably Mario Kart for Cole. He was just so excited and happy. It made me happy."

Thoughtful. Sweet. She made someone (her little brother, mind you!) happy.

Cole didn't blink or hesitate to respond, "Dad's foot massager. It's awesome."

"So, is it your favorite gift because you enjoy it so much?" I ask, in hopes that he corrects me by stating how much his father enjoyed the gift. But no.

"Exactly. It feels awesome!"

I should have recognized the signs when Cole and I went off on our own to do some Christmas shopping. Sitting on any available furniture that resembled a seat. Innumerable "are we done yet?" whimpers. Sneaking off to preview his own wishlist ideas...and being satisfied with any ole' object to give as a gift.

Maybe next year the joy of giving will hit the 8-year old. In the meantime, we'll just get a kick out of Cole enjoying his gifts...

Here are the kids watching Grandpa scratch off his lottery winnings at Christmas...looks like they hit the big one!