Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Write something suitable for CHILDREN (05/31/07)
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TITLE: The Priceless Gift | Previous Challenge Entry
By Denise Spooner
06/07/07 -
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As I strolled through the shopping mall I heard the Christmas music playing throughout the store. It reminded me of when I was little and sang along to the carols playing loudly on my shiny pink tape recorder, a special gift I had gotten from my grandmother. The last gift I received from her and I cherished it more than candy or gum.
Just the sounds bursting forth from it brought a smile to my face, as I felt a warm tingling come over my tiny body. I walked down each aisle, looking for that perfect gift for my Mother.
With the change of songs over the speakers, I grew more and more excited about Christmas being only a few days away. I could smell the fresh scent of pine coming from the nearby Christmas tree, and felt the warmth of large heaters throwing off heat waves that slowly warmed my chilled body.
There was beautifully colored wrapping paper that adorned gifts of those that had already chosen their prizes for their special mothers. The smiles on their faces were enough to make me laugh with joy and rush to another part of the store to look further.
Finally, while in the jewelry sales aisle, my attention was brought to a beautiful piece glistening in the light like pure gold or precious silver. I slowly leaned forward to catch a better glimpse and was shocked to see it was a gorgeous pair of small diamond earrings. I lifted the box with care as if it were breakable, and gently turned the delicate box on its top while holding my hand over the earrings so they would not come lose from the velvet padding they hung from. Oh, the numbers were large, but my Mother would love them. I turned the box back over still holding the earrings against my hand, and headed for the nearest counter. There was no line but I could not see over the shelf, so I got a plastic shopping basket next to the counter, and stood on top of it as I handed the box to the lady. She looked surprised and said, "These must be for a very special person." I answered, "They sure are". I quickly opened my butterfly pocketbook, change began to pour out onto the counter clanking loudly and rolling to a noisy stop. The lady began to count out what lay in front of her, and she slowly began to wrinkle her mouth and raise her eyebrow. She looked at me in a sad sort of way and quietly said, 'Little girl, I am sorry, but you do not have enough to buy these earrings. Have you any more?" I frowned and tightened my thin brows and forced my tiny fingers down deeper into my pocketbook. I pushed around at the very bottom, the side pocket and each zipper area. There were no more shiny coins to be found. I hung my head and began to slide each coin off the counter and back in to my pocketbook when the sales lady said, "Wait! These are on sale, 50% off today only! Why, you have just enough!" I took a deep breath, as a smile quickly came across my face and I began scooping the change back on to the counter. The lady carefully, as to not lose a single coin, cradled them into the palm of her hand and with a swoop of her other hand picked up all the coins and placed them into the drawer of the cash register. She asked if I would like the gift wrapped and I said with excitement, 'Oh, yes, please ma'am. Thank you ever so much." After wrapping the box, she placed it in a pretty blue cloth bag with a gorgeous golden ribbon tied in a delicate bow on top closing the bag securely.
As she handed me my prize, I jumped for joy and turned quickly toward the door of the store listening again to the sweet music of the wonderful holiday season. With my pretty bag dangling on my wrist as if dancing to each hop I took, I left the store so excited about giving my Mother the beautiful gift. Surely it would make her smile to open it as much as it thrilled me to find it and purchase it for her. This gift was priceless, one I hoped my Mother would remember for a very long time.
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I could hear the sounds of the Christmas music and feel the pain of not having quite enough.
I thought that this little sonnet was not only meant for children but also for us poor shnook guys who WANT to give mother something for Christmas but often come up short.
It constantly amazes me that God always seems to provide somehow.
I don't believe in luck. Someone is always placed in your path.
Tonight...YOU were placed in my path.
Thank You for writing.
Pauly