Gifts don't always get to in shiny...

Gifts don't always get to in shiny red paper with bright brilliant ribbons. One of the first gifts I received from my parents had no holiday packaging at all.

onward cold winter nights, when I was pair my father, whom I would call Papa, and later "Pa," would lie awake onward the floor next to my crib to comfort me when I would awaken with a bad dream. That's what a father is; that's who my father is.

I remember to such a degree many special times with my father and mother from my childhood. Me inside the shopping cart Pa pushed up the hill to the A&P. My father telling me the stories about to what extent he and his father, the ancient Man, would drive the horse-and-carriage along the Boston situation Road, in Mamaroneck, N.Y., before there were cars. Pa gently singing "All the Kings Horses and All the Kings Men" to me as a bedtime lullaby. Playing catch at Bowne Park in Flushing, NY where I grew up Walking Rexie, my dog, along the tracks of the protracted Island Railroad.

My father and mother gave me in this way many things, ribbon-less presents that I can at no time reciprocate. Priceless gifts of be pleased with time, caring, wisdom and in the same manner much more. I hope Pa and Ma know in what manner special they have always been to me on the same level if I haven't always shown it.

This holiday season, remember that exchanging instants isn't the only way to point out to appreciation to the people who have made a difference in your life. Your gifts to them don't have to be fancy or trendy or expensive or wrapped in shiny r paper with bright of gold ribbons.

Offer them your gratitude to honor, in a small way, all of the many unwrapped gifts they have given you.

In worthy health, James Gormley

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