It was to be a surprise. For Christmas. A year in the making, the final stages had my printer in overload, chewing up reams of paper and ink cartridges. Once printed, I collated them and labeled them. Neatly packed into a box, I drove down to Officeworks. Bound into spiral spined booklets they were ready for the finishing touches. A personalised copy for all families in the tribe that is my extended family spread all over Australia. And a personal copy for each one in my own special family.
This is what I had penned in the Introduction – “In the writing of these poems there have been times I was moved to tears in the rememberings. Other memories brought with them hoots of laughter, heart smiles, whisperings to my Soul of special, enriching and nurturing moments…. Whispers of Family is an indulgent reminiscing. The memories are etched deep into the chambers of my heart…”
Interstate gifts were mailed in time for Christmas. It was our turn to host the family Christmas here in Adelaide. Nervous, my mind kept mulling over ‘What if they didn’t like it? What if they think it is not valuable enough? What if …. ‘ As the gifts were given out, I could see people picking up the flat packets, curiously turning them over, opening them. Silence. Pages were being read and turned. Others who hadn’t yet opened theirs, did so. One of my nephews, who had been generously celebrating the festivities, wrapped himself around my neck in tears, saying “I don’t know exactly what it is, I don’t understand some of it – but I LOVE IT!” There was a palpable softening in mood for the rest of the evening. Many were deeply moved and touched. Someone said they could feel the love on every page. Another family said it was the best present they had ever received. They liked my gift.
This is the poem I wrote for all the mothers in our extended family:
GOSSAMER WEBS
She weaves and spins a web
Strands of gossamer
stronger than the strongest thread
tying hearts together
family, friends and home
Partner, lover, wife, mother, friend
silently the spinner
weaves her thread
Her reach is far
Her strength untold
Her skills a fine-tuned art
Her gentling touch firm and sure
She spins and weaves the web
unassuming
keeping watchful eyes
repairing
strengthening, enlarging
silken thread of Love
♥ℜ♥
Written in response to the 3rd week Circle of Friends prompt on gifting.
© Raili Tanska
This is a beautiful gift, personal, emotional and a gift to keep for a life time, a monetary value could never be put on this, it is a gift from the heart.
This is lovely. The most precious gifts are those designed by the giver, and custom made for the receiver.
Thanks Jane. I think so too 🙂
What a unique gift. A real treasure.
Thank you Anneli 🙂
Most beautiful poem! And custom made gifts from the heart are a treasure.
I think so too – I wanted it to be a bit of family heritage too. Stories that can live on. Thanks Khaya
Beautiful, beautiful gift. You might be surprised to know that doing that is a very common thing here in Utah. Of course they’re really into family genealogy in the Mormon culture.
Lol, I didn’t know that! I’m not a Mormon or into family genealogy.
My favorite one I put together for a family when I worked at the copy shop was Christmas Carols interspersed with writings. It was really cool.
Sounds awesome. Those kinds of gifts are the best 🙂
I had forgotten how enchanting your blog is and it makes one feel at home in your garden of friends…
What a beautiful, sweet thing to say ! Thank you 🙂
I love green! 🙂
And I do love weavers… Your poem touches me especially as it makes me think of my late mother… Being a weaver of dreams
Thank you Bojenn. Sweet memories touch the heart always 🙂
Beautiful poem and gift Raili!!! That’s my plan for 2016!, 😊
Thanks Linda 🙂 Have fun with it.
I mentioned your blog on my post today. I’m not sure how to contact you to let you know. I hope you don’t mind
Not at all – and thank you very much. I really appreciate it 🙂 Can you send me the link to your post ? I’m now curious and would love to read it. There is a ‘Contact me’ link in my header. And you can always add a pingback link in the post.
Yes. Hold on a few minutes
Okay, lol, im
I’m trying
I’m on a tablet and I’m not familiar with it and having technical difficulties sending link.
So, on my page and on date and archives it is dated 6/6/16.
I will still figure out the link and how to post it.
Thanks for your patience