My Treasured Gift

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Win Hilling. Stories for my Grandchildren

My Treasured Gift

In 1966 we were living in a large flat – one of 4 flats in a large old house in Parnell. It was my day for my yoga class and I walked down the wide staircase feeling very happy because I enjoyed my weekly yoga class and really like meeting with the other members.

The post had arrived and was on the hall table and beside the letters was the most beautifully wrapped parcel I had ever seen. The wrapping paper was a bright red and had a gorgeous satin finish. It was elaborately tied with gold cord like ribbon and the name label was very colourful and attractive.

Oh, I wonder who is to receive that, I thought, and as I walked to my class I tried to imagine what could be inside. It must be something large because the box was about 18” x 18” x 6”, and I thought it might have come from overseas because I had never seen any parcel so elaborately wrapped before. I enjoyed my class and made my way home.

The parcel was still there. I ran my hand over the top of the box and couldn’t resist bending over the parcel to see who it was for. I couldn’t believe it – my name and address were clearly written on it. Feeling very excited I carefully carried the box upstairs wondering who could have sent it. Very carefully I undid the ribbon cord and slowly enjoying every moment as I removed the paper without tearing it.

The box was red and gold so attractive and exciting. I removed the lid and gently pulled out the paper shavings and saw a beautiful white cake stand, with a delicate fluted edge. I lifted it out of the box very carefully and stood and admired it. What a terrific surprise, but who had sent it? I searched the shavings and the box and all I found was a leaflet from a New York firm – no mention of who had purchased it. That was very disappointing, so I decided to write to the N.Y. firm and ask them to supply me with the name of the purchaser.

In due time I received a letter saying they were unable to give me the purchaser’s name, but they had contacted the person and I should receive a letter from them soon. My family and I talked about this but could shed no light on who could have sent it. Eventually a letter did arrive. It was a lady that I had corresponded with in the past. I don’t remember how we made contact in the first instance, but she had written and confided in me about some real problems that she was facing. She had a very good position in N.Y. and a beautiful home I believe, but she was then a very unhappy lady. We had corresponded for some time and then as far as I can remember she was going overseas for her job and said she would write again later. I hadn’t heard from her for a couple of years.

However it was good to hear that her life had turned around and everything was wonderful now. She had wanted to write to me but was again preparing to travel so she decided to send a gift of thanks. I haven’t heard from her since, but I still treasure her beautiful gift and remember the excitement of receiving it.