The Giver

My mother is a very giving person, literally.  I visit her several times a week, and at least half of the time I end up taking something home.  It's usually food, but I have to be careful about telling her that I like something she has, or there's a very good chance she will try to give it to me.  I also can't tell her that I want or need anything, because if she has it she will tell me to take it, or worse yet, she will buy it for me.

The one and only exception to this rule is the totally groovy disco tree topper that my sisters and I have been coveting since the '70s.  Not only will my mom not give it to me no matter how much I beg, she will not even promise that I get to inherit it.  Which is preposterous considering that I am the oldest (and best) child, so it should obviously go to me!  But I digress...

My mom doesn't even have a whole lot, but she would give me the shoes off her feet if I asked her to, and she would do the same for anyone she loves.  When I was growing up, my mother unofficially adopted several of my friends, and she is the go-to person in my extended family for anyone who needs a supportive shoulder to lean on.  She gives us all her love, and she would gladly give up all of her worldly possessions to make us happy.  I am thankful to have a mother who is a shining example of unselfish giving without any expectation of return.

"Soon, before the sun
Before the sun begins to rise
I know that I, I must give
So that I, I can live

Some, some who give blood
I give love, I give." -Tori Amos