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Many years ago... I was taught that a gift was something you should say "thank you" for and never ask for more -- not even batteries...
One year, I was young and very poor. I was a divorced mother with two children, health issues, and no child support. Neighbors offered to help with Christmas gifts and I was thrilled. I had heard from a divorced woman in my area about the Christmas she had the year before. They had been given so very much! Her 7 children were given everything they asked for and more. They even lavished the mother with beautiful gifts too. I looked forward to the boxes of gifts filled with new toys for my 2 little boys. For my family, Christmas had been very lean and gifts were sparse for years -- even while I was married. Just before Christmas day, I received a single small box filled with obviously (some were dirty) used items. It would be the only gifts we received. I was so disappointed as I had thought we "deserved" more. I had turned down other help as I felt "one should not be greedy" and I knew there were other families that needed help too. That Christmas offered the best lesson I learned that year! After I dried my tears and decided I would make the best of things...I heard the lesson my father taught me years before echoing in my head. I re-learned that year that gifts are just that -- gifts. They should be taken with the idea that there is no rule that says they must be -- perfect or even what we wanted. There is no rule that every thing we want should be given to us.
For the gifts I receive now, I am truly grateful.
I would like to express my thanks to Ms Veronika for all the gifts given to us here on Cute and the sister sites as well. Thank you dear Veronika for all the wonderful gifts you give us -- including this online home.
Happy Thanksgiving to all Cuties!
Comments (27)
145791✽
Very well said You are loved and appreciated, and yes I have been there also. I remember thinking too perhaps all this is my fault. I learned, like you have, to appreciate the giver I've seen a dirty raggedy bear that was a child's dearest possession handed over to another child that had nothing,to me that was pure simple and sweet love at it's finest.. Oh yes the one that it was given to loved it just as dearly. You have written mighty words of wisdom just because we want something doesn't mean we should have it. Being grateful and thankful for what we do have is the important thing and everything else will fall into it's place. We are so blessed just to be where we are and loving the giver much more than the gift is also important for where love is peace abides not only in our heart but in those with whom we come in contact with in one way or another are going to be touched in someway by how we act toward one another. You my dear rescuer are loved and mean so much to others. Happy Thanksgiving and be Blessed/Lillian
2 comments
What you have stated is so true. It gives one pause to see such sentiments in words. We are all very lucky here at "Cute". Lucky for having wonderful moderators, like you, other cuties to share with and tell our troubles to, and of course Miss Veronica , who is extremely special.
I am Canadian and we have had our Thanksgiving in October, but my husband and I are celebrating this Thanksgiving also. We do have much to be thankful for even though we have seen better times. I wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Hugs, Nadyne
I am Canadian and we have had our Thanksgiving in October, but my husband and I are celebrating this Thanksgiving also. We do have much to be thankful for even though we have seen better times. I wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Hugs, Nadyne
I can not add to these beautiful words, as all has been said.Just whole heartedly agree. Sandra.
24331✽
by
sandralane
26 Nov 2015
+18✽
Such beautiful words,i cannot add any more but just fully agree.Sandra.
24424✽
OOps my comment went in the wrong place...See below Lillian's post!
1 comment
Flowers for you
169064✽
Thank you. I know it took courage to write these words and your message is from the heart. I grew up in a poor family and would have loved that well loved teddy bear too. I have found so many wonderful people here at Cute. I have said it over and over and will continue to say it. The gifts Miss Veronika has given us over the years are treasured. I think she is amazing to have given us all of the Cute sister sites. You can't do better than what we find here. It is a gift filled with love, friendship, support and prayers. And the well digitized designs can't be beat. It just doesn't get better than what we have at Cute. Thank you Miss Veronika and may your holidays be filled with love, joy and contentment.
743327✽
happy thanksgiving to you too. And thank you to miss Veronika, but also: thank you to you, for your commitment and always try to do the best you can. Thank you for telling your story. Thanks and hugs !
234507✽
WOW! How beautifully said Rescuer. I must admit I have never known what is like to be 'poor' and am thankful for my upbringing, my family and circle of friends.
"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."
I truly believe that any gift given in love is a gift to be cherished. God bless you Rescuer, and all our other moderators and of course Miss Veronika, who without we wouldn't have this wonderful community of 'friends'. Love Chris
"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."
I truly believe that any gift given in love is a gift to be cherished. God bless you Rescuer, and all our other moderators and of course Miss Veronika, who without we wouldn't have this wonderful community of 'friends'. Love Chris
66927✽
by
graceandham
26 Nov 2015
+16✽
If it's been enough years, it would be interesting to ask your children what that year meant to them and to share what you have written with them. Sometimes God blesses us in hard lessons!
20088✽
Wonderfully said!!! I get heartbroken when I read/see the expectations (greed). Am thankful for all and try to say "Thank you" often!
41781✽
Love your story. This is what made us strong and be able to survive. I would like to know if the persons that say there are not enough free designs are using all the ones that are given? I have a membership here, I could not possible us all the designs on this site or any site. If they took a look at all the designs they have, I think they would fine they don't have enough time to stitch all. Enjoy what you have, take a second look and maybe you will find a use for what you have. I love this site and whatever is offered. Thank You Ms Veronika.
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35675✽
Amen. AND thank you for all the help you have given me & all the other cuties!
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by
hightechgrammy
27 Nov 2015
+12✽
Thank you, Ms Veronika, for this site, and for all the delightful designs I find her each day! I love logging in and finding the designs on this and your sister sites. But far more than the designs, thank you for the Cuties part of your site. I have grown to love many many of the dear people who come to this site to offer love, support, advise and genuine concern for each other. I'm not sure I could have made it through all my challenges without Cuties! I am thankful! Jan in Colorado
2023✽
I concur, and truthfully couldn't have said it any better. Thank you Veronika for sharing your wonderful talents and may you be blessed each and every day.
Lynne in OZ
Lynne in OZ
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by
dragonflyer
27 Nov 2015
+9✽
Beautifully stated...even though I knew we were not "rich"...I have never felt "poor" thanks to the love and direction that we received from my parents and grand parents....we were raised not to look at "labels" but to be happy and grateful for what we had...even if it wasn't as "much" as some around us had...a great gift that I thank my parents for every day...and this "gift" of being happy with what you have and have worked for. seems to be fading in the current social generation today...which seems to think that they are somewhat entitled to be given everything they want...now...without working for it...
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by
basketkase
27 Nov 2015
+9✽
Hi rescuer........what a wonderful heartfelt posting and thank you for sharing..........hope everyone's Thanksgiving was terrific........
255054✽
Thank you Rescuer. Thank you Veronika. Thank you moderators. Hugs to all.
3246✽
thank you for your Wakeupcall.We take to much for granted these Days.Have a happy Holiday und all the Best for Xmas and the New Year to all Cuties.Hugs from Downunder
45918✽
Thank you. This is a lesson we all should take with us all year through. I as you are very grateful to Miss Veronica all the moderators for what you give and do for us through the year and to all the cute sisters all around this wonderful world. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. Marian
11927✽
So many of us push that out of our minds. I too maturely grateful for all the wonderful God given-gifts in my life. Hugs. Nan W
25546✽
What a lovely read. Absolutely I am grateful for small gifts what ever they may be. Sometimes just a hug or a smile is all one needs. God know what we need and he gives willingly. He knows we are worth more than the birds and he feeds them...a lovely storey thanks for posting.
A long time ago I sold Avon, we had no money this week and I had to send $50 to Avon for my order but instead I kept the money until next payday and then paid them...Avon did not mind. It was the poorest time I remember having, but all end well then...that $50 went a long way.
A long time ago I sold Avon, we had no money this week and I had to send $50 to Avon for my order but instead I kept the money until next payday and then paid them...Avon did not mind. It was the poorest time I remember having, but all end well then...that $50 went a long way.
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Wonderful lessons!! Thank you for sharing!! I am always thankful for what I get. Thank You Miss V for all you do throughout the year. It is so appreciated. You are so generous to us all. Thank you moderators for all the hard work you do to keep this site legal, up, and running. Thank you to everyone who helps on this site. Your hearts are big and you give a lot also. I truly appreciate all of you here and have met some wonderful people here with huge hearts!
Suzanne
Suzanne
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we are all truly blessed........& I to am thankful ~hugs to you & yours my friend~
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Years ago I had a friend who had a 4 year old daughter that had a teddy and she had plucked all its fur out . She took it everywhere ,she would sit on my knee holding it and we would love it together and I would tell her I wish I had one the same and was happy that she shared hers with me . Guess what a few years later I got married and a big box arrived for me yes inside was her beloved teddy . we shared my special day together then I gave him back . She was then 6 years old .
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How precious that you heard your father's voice.
The more thankful that our hearts become, the more we have to be thankful for. You are a very strong woman whose gifts are many.
Thank you for sharing with us and reminding us of all that we have to be thankful for, not the least, Cute Embroidery.
The more thankful that our hearts become, the more we have to be thankful for. You are a very strong woman whose gifts are many.
Thank you for sharing with us and reminding us of all that we have to be thankful for, not the least, Cute Embroidery.
109774✽
by
crafter2243
28 Nov 2015
+3✽
Loved your story and it reminded me of the many Christmases of my childhood when just having a new piece of clothing was exciting. Those were different times and today the thought that someone cared enough to make me a gift is still treasured. I have to admit to slipping however, not always sending a thank you note, but never ever would I complain about a gift. Thank you for sharing and reminding us what is important.
1235✽
Thank you for your "from the heart" posting. Remember Christmas as a child getting only PJ's and a doll. My siblings and I were so excited, more I believe that children nowadays are who receive such an excessive amount of gifts. As an adult I raised my daughter alone and finances were so limited had to make all my clothing, gifts and canned food and learned to make repairs to the car and house just to stretch the budget. In the long run it was a good feeling because I made it and felt confident, self sufficient and knew I could take care of my daughter and myself. Yes, a gift is a gift and the sentiment is the gift. So enjoy all you ladies and gentlemen. My heart aches to hear of the challenges many of you are facing and you are in my prayers. Thank you for all the time put into making the site work. It's a joy to visit. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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Elequantely put. I don't spend much time here these days because I am living overseas, and not able to embroidery. But I do check in to see how everyone is. I am grateful for Ms Veronika and all she does for us.
And also thanks to all of you who faithfully post and create. You are all an inspiration to me.
And also thanks to all of you who faithfully post and create. You are all an inspiration to me.