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The Thought That Counts
(a special gift for Dad)
I wracked my brain and braved the shops to find a gift for you,
“Got that!” I said, “Nope, that’s not right!” and “That will just not do!”
At every turn, I hummed and hawed, “Could this gift be the one?”
I’d answer a resounding “No!”, then off again I’d run.
I scoured through the endless deals they had at every store,
But nothing seemed to get it right … I knew I wanted “more.”
I hunted high and low for something “perfect” you could use,
I raced from place to place so fast I wore out several shoes!
I scanned the bustling mall and spied a shop that looked unique,
It had no festive signs or neon lights that people seek;
The other shoppers walked right by as if it wasn’t there,
Their focus (much like mine), was on the next deal they might snare.
Intrigued, I wandered closer to the storefront for a look,
To see the modest window just displayed … one single book,
It sat upon a simple stand, and looked the worse for wear,
The cover was unreadable, the binding past repair.
A subtle glow within the pages beckoned me to see
What wondrous words might be inside this curiosity.
Without a pause, I entered thinking, “Boy, this place is bland.”
No bells or whistles, just more books, the same as on the stand.
A lovely older woman, silver hair and twinkling eyes,
Came out behind the counter, saying, “What a nice surprise!”
She motioned to a chair and grinned, “Now take a load off dear.”
“You look a little frazzled. Come on in and sit down here.”
I settled in the reading chair to rest my feet a while
As she retrieved the window book, returning with a smile;
Her twinkling eyes and impish grin just sparkled as she spoke,
As if, I thought, “This lady seems to have an inside joke.”
I raised my hands to take the book, but much to my chagrin,
She said, “Let’s keep this closed for now before you see within.”
“I’d like to know what brought you here. You seem a bit adrift.”
I answered, “Well, I’m on a quest to find the perfect gift.”
She said, “They must be special if you found “my” little store.”
“So tell me more about the one you clearly must adore.”
I pondered for a moment what I loved about this man,
Then said, “It’s tough to put in words why I’m his biggest fan.”
“My Dad? He’s unbelievable. I’m blessed to be his child.”
“He’s sweet and charming, wise and kind, and loving too,” I smiled.
“He’s always near to lend support, or share a listening ear.”
“He helps to squash the worries down or brush away a tear.”
“His great advice and caring words are always close,” I said,
“And even when he’s “not” nearby … I hear him in my head!”
The woman laughed and nodded as I rambled on at length,
Regaling tales of times gone by when Dad gave me his strength.
I talked and mused while recollections tumbled from my lips,
As family life and mem’ries played like well-loved movie clips!
Before I knew it, ages passed with all the time I took,
And when I stopped, the woman smiled … and handed me the book.
I opened to an empty page and looked at her perplexed,
“Just give it time.” she whispered, “You will see what’s coming next.”
To my amazement, there I saw my stories flooding through,
With text all racing down the page, then zipping to page two!
The empty pages ALL transformed before my very eyes,
They filled with photos, captions, footnotes … all to my surprise!
This well-worn book had captured all my thoughts within my heart,
As family treasures overflowed … my Dad the central part.
The woman said, “There’s lots of room for stories yet to be.”
Then motioned to the empty books that still surrounded me.
“You’d better get a move-on; you have lots of tales in store.”
“These books don’t write themselves!” she winked, then walked me out the door.
*~*
Each year since then, another volume magically appears,
A gift to browse with family, full of laughter, love and cheers,
The title never changes (though I always have a look),
“The Thought That Counts” is after all … the purpose of this book.
/Kit Detering Dec. 24, 2024