The Perfect Present

Just wrote this one, which is the main reason I came looking for a site to post my writings to. Hope it's received well :D

The Perfect Present

 

Tim McCollum

 

Christmas comes more and more slowly the closer we are to it. Gifts, food, friends and family all on our minds. Television, radio, social media and newspapers all covered in joyous stories and hopes of the Christmas to come. So many days to be remembered. So many smiles had. All for the happiest time of the year.

When I was young, all I could look forward to would be seeing my Grandparents and the tree they so thoroughly decorated. My cousins would be there and we would always find a way to be in trouble once the sun set. Mom and Grandma made the best ham and pies I have experienced still. The mashed potatoes still bring me warm, joyous feelings. Now Granddaddy is gone, the ham and pies are not as good as they once were, and the tree seems so small.

It is very typical for a child to have a hard time understanding the precious moments we will one-day miss, but for us older persons there is no excuse. I’m happy to see Grandma every time she visits. We talk about hilarious stories or solve the world’s problems in 5 minutes. We hug a lot. I don’t regret those never-ending days leading to Christmas, because I became the man I am now through them. However, after exposure to loss, pain, and grief I see more than a well-decorated tree. I see more than gift wrap hiding a week’s worth of fun. I see a reason to be with the ones who made me. I see people I’d risk my fair share of earnings to make happy. I finally see the Perfect Present. 

Author's Note

I'm no professional, but I would like to learn how to make my writing more appealing.

Reviews

[Carol Cashes]

Who needs a "professional" when an "amateur" has this much skill. It is grammatically correct (or as far as I can tell, there may be others that can cite the rules on dangling parti-whatevers) and well constructed. The emotion is real, honest, and at the risk of sounding rather cliche-ish, very sweet in the true definition of that word. I'm glad that you have family that wants to be together. My own is rather fractured, but my childhood? My Mama could lay down a spread and would start putting our gifts on layaway in September. We started getting up earlier and earlier because we were so excited, that one year - at 5:30 a.m., my mother declared the new rule was no one could leave their bedroom until the sun came up. We still got up early, but my brothers would sneak into my and my sister's room and we would play cards, looking out the window every 15 minutes!! As an adult, you now understand how much joy your parents also had at Christmas, just for different reasons. I knew this, too when my son was born and until he left home. I will be reading your other piece (just one?) when I get a chance. I'm at work and have to run in and out of Cafe during the day. Welcome, and I'm looking forward to reading more of your work.

[Soundz]

Thank you :D
Very kind words!
You are right for sure about the parents enjoying the time with their children. This writing is without a doubt from a child's eyes. The message is much broader than the reading. For example, it's remarkable how many faces we could make smile if we cared. It takes effort and hardship sometimes, but I sleep just fine at night knowing I tried.
Thank you again for enjoying it :)

[king louis]

You are a great men with compassionate and sympathy. Stay tune with your family because they are the most significant people to you.

[Soundz]

Thank you Louis! They are the reason I am here today, so I like to enjoy them while they are here :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the story shared and the places you took the reader with. We need our elders and memories. In the end. We will become our teachers. Nice flow of thoughts led to the wise ending. Thank you for sharing the amazing words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Soundz]

Thank you Coyote, it's not easy writing with emotional tones. However, I feel better each and every time I do.
Greatly appreciate your comment!

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure to read your work and you are welcome.

[LKBillips]

I've been dwelling on the real lack of personal connections we make today. Once getting together was the only real way to talk to each other, share how your summer was, etc. Now all we do is post and text and we've even stopped really calling each other. This made me think of when my family really acted like a family and not treated each other as annual obligations. Really moving. :)

[Soundz]

Thank you for reading to the underlying message.
I know I felt more complete when conversations holding weight began between me and my family.
Most important is to always remember this; Enjoy today those that you would be sad not having tomorrow.

[Jana Omar]

This is so true and relatable. I mean, I'm still twelve (child-ish), but I've experienced this. All I can say else is: this is truely awesome!

[Soundz]

Thank you! I feel like people become vastly more mature after understanding these concepts.
Greatly appreciate it, Jana :D

[GwenLark]

Wow. I found this so relatable. I have felt all those feelings, and you tied them up into a neat little gift box.
"Now Granddaddy is gone, the ham and pies are not as good as they once were, and the tree seems so small."
This is so simple, yet so, so powerful. I was sucker-punched. Great job

[Soundz]

xD
Sorry, thought you were ready for the left-hook lol
Glad you liked it :D