A Priceless Gift Wrapped With Purple Ribbon

My parents love to bless me when I am not expecting it. Yesterday was one of these days. Late in the summer Ed and I invested in an antique desk and telephone table for my writing space. The goal, first and foremost to transform my make-shift writing areas into a grownup's office space. These two items were the first step. We rearranged furniture and the office was birthed.

On a different trip to the antique store (which is within walking distance from our house) I noticed this beautiful book case with glass doors. The wood and hardware would match our recent investments. There were a couple to choose from but due to finances, this wasn't above the line or a need. My organized piles in plastic bins would have to do for the time.

Of course, I shared this find with my parents on my next trip down. They said, "Well, if it is meant to be, then it will work out. And you need to return the piano to your friend in order to have the room." Both true.

Since then I have kidded with Ed, about when we would be able to afford the book case. Of course with the piano still in the room, the
bookcase would need to be stored. So the dream passed and life went on. But if you know God, He has a great sense of humor and wonderful timing.

This past week I have been in contact with my friend and she might have a home for the piano. I told Ed, "We might have a home for the piano so maybe in the spring, if the bookcase is still there...we could get it?"

He smiled and said, "Let's take it one item at a time." But of course he knew my parents put a deposit on a bookcase this summer after the first time I mentioned it. 

Not only did they put a deposit down but they picked out a bigger and even more beautiful one, with storage underneath with solid doors for the items that might not "look" as pleasing to the eye. It looks just like the china cabinet from my Gram and Aunt Nancy's house, minus the scallop design on the top.

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Well this beautiful bookcase of love is my Christmas gift but they feared if the piano found a new home, I would walk myself to the antique store to attempt a down payment before finding out "He had someone else interested in it." Sneaky, sneaky, parents.

With my students on the bus and my school day over my cell phone rang. First, my daughter to say "There is something weird all over the lawn. You need to come right home." followed by a call from my mom, "Lisa, are you coming right home?" With two anxious people concerned about my arrival home I grabbed my stuff and headed home.

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As I approached the intersection and turned on my turn signal I noticed my parents parked in the nearby parking lot. After I turned, they discreetly started to follow me. Mind you, no undercover agencies will be seeking out their services. Haha, but they did try.

Between the phone calls and my parental tail on the ride home, I decided to grab my camera from my bag. (Always prepared for a blog, lol) I turned on my signal for my driveway when I saw all the purple flags across my front lawn. An instant smile and laugh over took me. I looked in my rearview mirror but my parents passed the house. Hmmm

I got out of the car and headed to the signs to start reading. With my parent's true sense of humor and joy for surprises, I followed the purple arrows through my lawn, across the road, through my neighbors lawn, and into the "Tughill Antique Store". Once I turned to my right I saw this beautiful bookcase (similar to my Gram's china cabinet) with Christmas lights, a large purple bow, and homemade Christmas card behind the glass.

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Some might think it is the antique waiting to be moved into my new office space, also known as my entry way on Friday that triggers this excitement but it actually doesn't. Don't get me wrong I LOVE it and look forward to adding my writing and speaking books, among other things to the shelves. BUT it is the love behind the gift that means the most.

The priceless gift encompassing this entire afternoon...love of a parent for their child. They knew how much I loved the bookcase but instead of just including a photo in my Christmas card next month, they took time and care to surprise me with it.

Each purple arrow was cut out by my parents with love and the notes included expressed their joy, humor, and excitement too. The lights, ribbon, and arrows ~ purple, Heidi's favorite color. A little Heidi for the holiday. The card, handmade with pictures of Heidi and I as children and another of my Gram's cabinet. The note within the card, precious. And I can't forget the Grinch slippers on the top, sweet!

Thought, time, care, and love went into the purchase and presentation of this gift. Each time I reach for one of my writing books or items for upcoming speaking engagements I will be reminded of the great love my parents show on a daily basis. I don't need stuff to know they love me yet this bookcase will be a reminder with this and each book I write. Thank you Mom and Dad!