Forever Wanting
Today's NaBloPoMo prompt: What was the most disappointing gift you received as a child?
The holidays are not the best time to manage expectations. I love birthdays, vacations, holidays, any special occasion. I plan every detail to try and make it memorable for my daughters, husband, and family.
When the occasion doesn't live up to my often overblown expectations, disappointment follows. I've learned this about myself and try to keep celebrations more low-key. At the end of the day, I want my family to feel loved. I want to create memories.
The few times I was disappointed as a child had nothing to do with gifts I received, but rather something I wanted and didn't get. My lists were full of high expectations, as are my kids' lists every year. This year, my middle daughter has a star and ranking system for her wants. The higher the item on the list and the more it's surrounded by stars, the more she wants it.
The most glaring omission through the years was a book I wanted. Yes, a book. I begged my parents for Judy Blume's Forever. Even then, I was an avid reader. Mom always encouraged reading, and books were something she'd splurge on in between special occasions. A friend and I were talking about Judy Blume and she asked if I'd read Forever. I had never heard of it. She couldn't believe it. According to her older sister, it was the only Blume book worth reading. I had to have it.
It was close to Christmas, so I put it at the top of my list. Christmas morning came and went. No Forever. I knew the book was a little more mature than the other Blume books I'd read, but I figured Mom wouldn't research a book request. Boy, was I wrong.
Long story short, Mom was not easily fooled. She pulled me aside later Christmas day and told me the book was inappropriate and written for an older audience. Thanks to my friend's older sister, I ended up reading it on the sly later the next year. Mom was right, but I will forever (pun intended) remember my drive to read that book. To this day, I credit my love of reading to both Mom and Judy Blume.
Fun fact: The very first author I followed on Twitter... you guessed it, Judy Blume.
What was your most memorable gift request that was denied?
The holidays are not the best time to manage expectations. I love birthdays, vacations, holidays, any special occasion. I plan every detail to try and make it memorable for my daughters, husband, and family.
When the occasion doesn't live up to my often overblown expectations, disappointment follows. I've learned this about myself and try to keep celebrations more low-key. At the end of the day, I want my family to feel loved. I want to create memories.
The few times I was disappointed as a child had nothing to do with gifts I received, but rather something I wanted and didn't get. My lists were full of high expectations, as are my kids' lists every year. This year, my middle daughter has a star and ranking system for her wants. The higher the item on the list and the more it's surrounded by stars, the more she wants it.
The most glaring omission through the years was a book I wanted. Yes, a book. I begged my parents for Judy Blume's Forever. Even then, I was an avid reader. Mom always encouraged reading, and books were something she'd splurge on in between special occasions. A friend and I were talking about Judy Blume and she asked if I'd read Forever. I had never heard of it. She couldn't believe it. According to her older sister, it was the only Blume book worth reading. I had to have it.
It was close to Christmas, so I put it at the top of my list. Christmas morning came and went. No Forever. I knew the book was a little more mature than the other Blume books I'd read, but I figured Mom wouldn't research a book request. Boy, was I wrong.Long story short, Mom was not easily fooled. She pulled me aside later Christmas day and told me the book was inappropriate and written for an older audience. Thanks to my friend's older sister, I ended up reading it on the sly later the next year. Mom was right, but I will forever (pun intended) remember my drive to read that book. To this day, I credit my love of reading to both Mom and Judy Blume.
Fun fact: The very first author I followed on Twitter... you guessed it, Judy Blume.
What was your most memorable gift request that was denied?
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