Purpose of a Gift

Today my mom did taxi service for me by taking around my aunt and my sister-in-law shopping. This is not something she enjoys but since she owed me a favor she drove them around. But there is something you have to understand, my aunt is not the easiest person to get along with. Well neither is my mom but if you watch the movie Driving Miss Daisy I think you might get an idea of what's it's like spending the day with my aunt. She's not all bad but she has this great prejudice of things not necessary. Unfortunately my mom wanted to give my little 5 year old niece a present. This started my aunt's persistent nagging that just doesn't turn off until you leave her presence.

It all began innocently with my mom giving away clothes that she doesn't need to my sister-in-law and my other niece Gabby who is 9. Since Melon was feeling left out because she was too little for any of my mom's clothes, my mom decided to get something for her when they went shopping. So she promised Melon that she would get her something and if there's one thing Melon doesn't forget is that someone is getting her a present. (Seriously the kid did not forget that I promised to get her Snow White!)

So this is all innocent fun until my aunt gets wind of the unnecessary gift. According to her Melon has just too many clothes and doesn't need anymore because Ingrid just gave them a lot of hand-me-downs which are prime for wearing. But my mom, bless her heart didn't listen because she made a promise to Melon. So they all went off to Liberty to shop around for groceries then clothes. All through grocery shopping all my aunt did was try to talk my mom out of buying something for Melon. Of course she conveniently forgets that Gabby, Melon's sister, has triple the wardrobe, yet she never complains about Gabby getting more stuff.

So my mother endured, until all food was collected, paid for and loaded into the car. My aunt was beaming since she thought she won this battle since my mom wouldn't possibly get something for Melon since there was meat in the trunk. But God love her my mom has a stubborn streak just as bad as my aunt and didn't forget her promise to Melon. So she made everyone get out of the car and follow her to the store as she looked for a dress for Melon. My aunt was fuming but knew she lost the battle. The dress was paid for in less than 5 minutes and everyone was on their way home.

Melon was trilled with her dress that her aunt Martha got for her fulfilling their promise and my aunt just ranted and raved the injustice of sweet Melon getting a present.

Now my opinion on this whole episode is that my aunt is biased when it comes to Gabby and her other siblings. I understand this but seriously Melon is a precocious 5 year old who is unfortunately the middle child and not a boy. Meaning that usually she is brushed aside for her little brother or pushed aside by her big sister. So even I understand how a little thing like a new dress means a lot to her, hell my mom understand as well since she was also kinda a middle child. But explain that to my aunt who never sees a present as a gift but as a burden.

Tomorrow I will try to talk some sense into her because seriously it was just a dress and it brought a smile to Melon's face. Even if it takes up more room in her closet and she totally forgets about it in the future. She will remember that her aunt Martha kept her promise and I think that's more important. It's just sad that my aunt doesn't understand that so tries to take away the importance of the action. I guess everyone in some way has their selfish side. But when it comes to kids I just wish these selfish sides would hold back and let the real meaning of gifts shine through.