But Siena’s sombrero has a little more special meaning. When I was a little boy my dad went to Mexico for work. I don’t remember why or where. I also don’t have any memories of any other business trip he ever took. But when he went to Mexico he came home with a guitar and a purple sombrero for me. I loved both gifts and they made me feel much loved by my dad and showed me how much he missed me while he was away. It was a simple token that left a lasting impression of his love on his little boy.
All these years later it is something I cherish in the memories of my dad. I am not exactly sure where the sombrero is these days and the guitar is the garage (Lisa has probably been trying to figure out why it has been following us around all these years). I decided not to buy Siena a guitar from Mexico, I have one I can give her one day as a memory of a grandfather she never got to know, and it will give me the chance to tell her stories about my dad. The sombrero is something she can grow into and will hopefully remind her of how much I love and miss her when I travel.
Every day we have a chance to create a memory for our children and those around us. You never know which moments and acts will be special and lasting. So I guess all we can do is try to give with our hearts every time and be happy when we create that special moment for those we love.
Hope you can share some of your special moments with your parents or children in response to this posting. I can never have enough good ideas!
