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We’ve all identified with Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. Some of us were once lifted by our own personal “angel,” while others received a perfect memento in time, an heirloom or moments with a loved one that they’ll cherish forever. Whatever the story, the power of an unexpected gift—and its memories—last a lifetime.
The Christmas Dish
Arily Rivera, 29, of Manhattan, grew up in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn with her mother and three sisters. One Christmas, a neighbor gave her a gift that she cherishes to this day. Normally, the holidays were light on gifts. Rivera’s mother had some issues with drugs and was unable to provide a great Christmas for her four girls. One neighbor, an old man knew the family did not have much. He’d occasionally give the family things for the home. Then one day, he gave the Arily a gift of some plates. It wasn’t an entire set, but it didn’t matter. It left little Arily thrilled. “Here I was, a 10-or 11-year-old with a set of house dishes as a Christmas gift,” said Rivera, “and I couldn’t wait to eat off my new plates—not that there was much to eat— but I always remember that old man.” Today, that gift has given her an appreciation of plates. “It (a simple plate set) brings a happy feeling to me,” she said. This year, her grandfather is even getting her a brown and red, full set for the holidays. Unfortunately, she never got the chance to say thank you. Rivera doesn’t even remember the old man’s name. She’s sure he’s passed away by now. “I wish I could have thanked him for my dishes.”
In Good Humor
Pamela Brill, 42, of Northport, NY doesn’t remember how old she was—perhaps four or five. She thought she had died and gone to heaven in her hometown of Glen Cove, NY. All she knew was that she finally owned a Good Humor Truck. There were chocolate and strawberry plastic ice cream bars that she’d pull out of the cart and give to her dad, grandmother and any other willing participant. She had her very own ride-on Good Humor Truck. “Even if I couldn’t be the actual Good Humor man,” said Brill, “I had fun playing his alter ego—a little kid!”
Coffee Fix
Mornings have been that much better for one New Yorker thanks to a generous teacher. Heather Elle, a 25-year-old musician living in Brooklyn, was given an espresso machine two years ago by a former music producer, who was moving to a new apartment. The caffeine fix continues to help her get through hazy days—and on to more musical productivity. “It’s changed my life,” says Elle. “And I hate buying coffee!”
On the Record
The months following Superstorm Sandy were a little easier for Laurie Kamens, 27, thanks to a special gift from a group of friends. One of Kamens’ most treasured possessions was a record player that her father, who passed away in 2010, handed down to the Oceanside, NY native. Sadly, when Hurricane Sandy hit, the record player was destroyed. As a surprise, her friends all chipped in to get her a new one for the holiday, following Sandy. “Though it could never replace the original,” she says. “It meant a lot.”
It’s a Boy
It was 1973. Bronx-born Maria Weiskott, a 60-something grandmother living northern New Jersey, received what that to this day remains the most special gift she has ever gotten. It was a Valentine’s Day gift, but it wasn’t a box of chocolates. There were no roses—not even jewels. It was her first child, a boy.
The child, also the first grandchild on either side of the family, was due to arrive any day. Grandmothers were calling constanytly in anticipation. Another week went by—and then a few more days. “My obstetrician had warned that first babies can be, and usually are, late,” said Weiskott. ‘The first is the pathfinder, you know,’ quipped her doctor. Finally, her little pathfinder, Michael, right on February 14. “I was over the moon that he arrived on a day that is represented by expressions of love,” she said, “how perfect.”