"Wishing everyone a good week ahead filled with abundant blessings.
Love & Peace to all. xo"
Bubble Gum Machine
I 've been reading 29Gifts and contemplating what my one gift should be that is something I don't think I can give away.
So today I decided I am going to gift my bubble gum machine - I think. I'm sure you are thinking why is that so hard for me to part with.
Many years ago I was a single mom with a little boy and my life then was not something I am very proud of. But somehow through that I did manage to hold a job and there I met one of my closest friends. We couldn't have been more different but got along wonderfully. She was college educated, came from a family with more means than mine and did not do the party scene but she did not judge me. She had this silly bubble gum machine at her front door. My son loved it and she always let him play with it.
I did manage to get my life turned around and was engaged. One month before my wedding day my friend was killed in a tragic car accident and I was devastated. Her family gave me the bubble gum machine.
I've talked about in my previous blogs that I help coordinate giving at our church to families in need. I have been getting the Christmas wish lists from our adopt a family children. I got a last minute one sent to me today and they asked for a bubble gum machine.
I have had the bubble gum machine for over 20 years and the last 10 years it has been packed away in a box - but the thought of giving it away almost breaks my heart.
But I've decided I'm going to gift my bubble gum machine - I think.
So today I decided I am going to gift my bubble gum machine - I think. I'm sure you are thinking why is that so hard for me to part with.
Many years ago I was a single mom with a little boy and my life then was not something I am very proud of. But somehow through that I did manage to hold a job and there I met one of my closest friends. We couldn't have been more different but got along wonderfully. She was college educated, came from a family with more means than mine and did not do the party scene but she did not judge me. She had this silly bubble gum machine at her front door. My son loved it and she always let him play with it.
I did manage to get my life turned around and was engaged. One month before my wedding day my friend was killed in a tragic car accident and I was devastated. Her family gave me the bubble gum machine.
I've talked about in my previous blogs that I help coordinate giving at our church to families in need. I have been getting the Christmas wish lists from our adopt a family children. I got a last minute one sent to me today and they asked for a bubble gum machine.
I have had the bubble gum machine for over 20 years and the last 10 years it has been packed away in a box - but the thought of giving it away almost breaks my heart.
But I've decided I'm going to gift my bubble gum machine - I think.
Comment
-
Comment by genuine, wwt, welcomer on November 25, 2009 at 6:25am -
I bet it will be hard to part with .... even without the machine you;ll still have the memories
-
Comment by Carol S. on November 25, 2009 at 5:42am -
Your story brought tears to my eyes. I, too, think that you saw that request for a reason. You will know that child will enjoy that machine....as your son did. I do not know what I will give away...I hope something reveals itself like it did for you. Have a wonderful holiday season!
-
Comment by karon sartore-frantz on November 25, 2009 at 4:36am
-
Thank you for sharing. Some of the hardest things to do in our life turn out to be a huge blessing for us with unbelievable happiness. Best of luck with making the decision. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
-
Comment by Toye on November 25, 2009 at 2:41am -
Your story was very touching. I know it would be hard to give away the bubble gum machine because of the sentimental attachment, but you'll always have the fond memories of your friend and I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason, ie, the wish list requesting a bubble gum machine. Best wishes with your decision.
-
Comment by Ruth on November 24, 2009 at 10:40pm -
Jane, the memory will always be with you. Hard tho' it seems, the bubble gum machine has been that for a long time already if it's been packed away for ten years. Take a photo of it, send thanks to your friend for the memories you have of her and pass that machine on to create some happy memories for someone else.
Support 29Gifts.org
READ THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING 29 Gifts Book
Visit the 29 Gifts Boutique for 29 Gifts Starter Kits and other gifts that give back
Thank You to Mbali Creazzo for inspiring the 29 Gifts Movement
NEW? Please Read First
IN OUR GALLERY
PINCURL GIRLS
VIEW THE SHOW
Pincurl Girls by Jen Lukas-Landis encourage girls to avoid self-doubt by looking for happiness and expressing their artistic talents.
SACRED CIRCLE MANDALAS
Purchase art at sacredcircleart.com touchstonesofthesacred.com
TELL YOUR FRIENDS
Latest Activity
Deb~ Community Manager posted a status"Healings prayers and thoughts going out to Cami, Pat, Wendy Jo and Tug....."
Deb~ Community Manager posted a status"There is no better reward than knowing we all are changing the world, one gift and kindness at a time..."
© 2012 Created by Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder.
You need to be a member of 29-Day Giving Challenge to add comments!
Join 29-Day Giving Challenge