By Kathleen M. Muldoon
Yvette Silver www.yvettesilver.com
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When I was 13, I felt like a prisoner. The only time I went outdoors was to walk to and from school. Otherwise, I sat in the classroom or inside our tiny apartment. I wasn’t being grounded; instead, a series of crises had affected my family, which consisted of my mother, grandmother, and me.
Ever since I could remember, my mom had been an invalid. She had a severe mental illness that left her in a strange zombie-like state. By the time I turned 13, someone had to stay with Mom at all times. Gran worked two jobs to support us, one in a factory during the day and the other cleaning offices on evenings and weekends.
A neighbor sat with Mom while I was at school. But the rest of the time, caring for her became my responsibility. My hours alone with her seemed like forever, because she couldn’t talk. She just sat and stared. So I, too, sat and stared-not at the walls as she did, but out the window, watching kids jump rope, play ball, or just hang out.
As that long year drew to a close, something wonderful happened. Gran gave me the greatest Christmas present ever! It came in a small wrapped box, the kind that might hold a necklace or bracelet. Instead of jewelry, Gran’s box held a slip of paper. “Starting next Saturday, I am giving you the gift of time,” she’d written. I felt confused. Was she promising to buy me a watch? An alarm clock? I soon learned that Gran was giving me something even better-free time! She explained that she had given up one of her Saturday cleaning jobs so that I could go anywhere and do anything I wanted every Saturday afternoon.
I treasured Gran’s special gift. Of course, we didn’t have money for me to go to the movies or to the mall. Fortunately, our city had lots for kids to do that cost nothing. My favorite place to visit was a museum of natural history. I loved to sit in front of the exhibits. Soon, I’d be transported to the rain forest or the Arctic, surrounded by the animals dwelling there. Our library had workshops and crafts and movies—all free. My best friend, Mary Ann and I became regulars at those events.
Each December, people of many faiths and cultures celebrate holidays that include gift giving and receiving. It is a time when I remember Gran’s gift and try to think of equally meaningful gifts that I can give away. This year, I have the perfect opportunity to give someone else free time. It will go to an elderly neighbor whose husband is bed ridden. I plan to write a slip of paper telling her I’ll be at her house every Friday morning to sit with Bob. Maybe she’ll use that time to shop or get her hair done. I can’t wait to gift-wrap that small box!
Do you know what’s really strange? I can remember a few gifts I’ve received, like the year I got a “Ginny” doll for my birthday-I’d wanted one forever-and the Valentine’s day when I received my first gift from a boy. It was a small heart locket. But none stand out in my mind in such detail as does Gran’s gift of time.
Are you scrambling to get some gift ideas this December? If so, I hope Gran’s gift to me or a similar special gift you’ve received will spark some ideas. Now, I’ll let you go so you can keep working on your lists. If you have spare time you’re not using, please feel free to send it to me-I could use it! If you have any unique gift ideas or memories to share of your best gift ever, email those to: action@unitedspinal.org or mail them to:
KIDS IN ACTION
United Spinal Association
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177
I guess that “wraps” it up. See you next time!
Kathleen M. Muldoon is a children’s book author and writing instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.
