On my 24th birthday, I received a gift I would say is the best birthday gift I have ever received. I usually don’t get any gifts on my birthday, and any gift received than day would have meant alot to me. This particular gift however was more than special and still holds a special place in my heart, not because of the monetary value of the article, but for everything it represents. This gift for me represented the knowledge that I was seen and heard by someone.
The gift was a message from my sister saying”Finally, I got you that frame” Accompanied with it was a video of a framed picture from my university graduation ceremony. I had wanted a framed picture for the longest time. I remember getting dedicated in church, secondary and high school and wanting that framed picture, but everytime it never came. My mom would always promise to get it for me, but with so many commitments and expenses,it became one of those things that always got pushed forward.
This went on until I moved out of the house, and even then, i couldn’t get that big framed picture of myself now that I could finally afford it, because I still didn’t have a place of my own where it would hang.So when my sister sent me that picture, I broke down in tears, and I’m sure any one who would have seen me would have asked what the big deal was. Its just a picture; it’s not that deep. Well for me it wasnt just a picture. It represented my voice, which I thought wasn’t being heard amidst all the family drama and chaos.
For me,it meant I was seen, my wants were being considered by someone. Growing up in a family that barely lives one day at a time, what happens is the only thing ever considered is what you need. Your wants are not priority. It doesn’t matter that you have never had a birthday cake;all that matters is you have a meal to eat.
While I am appreciative of my parents for doing their best to provide the things I needed, moments like this when a random gift from my sister makes me ball my eyes out are special, and I won’t forget in a hurry. As of today when I am writing this story,I haven’t seen this frame physically , as I haven’t been able to travel home to see my family. But whenever I remember that that picture hangs somewhere in my families living room, I get a warm feeling in my stomach.
My hope for you reading this story is that you receive that little gift or recognition that makes you feel heard and appreciated in your family. I also hope this story acts as a push to someone to do something special for a loved one. Little things can go a long way to make people feel seen,heard,loved and appreciated.