As previously mentioned, my eldest son had his 30th birthday Nov. 9th. He lives in Kansas City, MO- about 700 miles away from where we live! We are sometimes at a loss as to what to get him for a birthday gift, mainly because we don't see or hear from him like we would if he lived here! Out in K.C. they have the only specifically designated WWI Memorial in the U.S.A. It was made sometime in the 1920s, and by the style of the design- it shows. We visited it the first time went went out there, and were impressed by it's somber, respectful atmosphere of remembrance. It's stark design, angular and massive, makes the Memorial a photographers' black & white, shades & shadow dream location. My son has gotten into photography as a hobby. He approaches about everything he does in a thorough manner, with cameras and knowledge of taking pictures no different! It seems to have bonded him to this site somehow, and my wife came up with a unique, meaningful present for him. Her Grandfather was in WWI and saw action as he was exposed to mustard gas. The gas could create Hell on Earth, and was outlawed in warfare after WWI. My wife had recieved an inexpensive, commemorative hankie (depicted in the photo)from her mom- a momento brought back from France in 1919, by her grandfather. She decided to get it professionally matted and framed, and give it to my son for his birthday. It's on its' way to him (late- it wasn't done on time!) as I write this. We sent him the photo (shown here) on his birthday via E-mail so he wouldn't think we stiffed him out of a gift! Does that all make sense to you people? Good!
20 comments:
Yes, it makes sense and what a thoughtful, unique gift. Can I be one of your kids? ;)
What a wonderful gift for your son, I'm sure he will treasure it. :)
nice gift....thoughtful and tasteful.
Well you've read about my papa who fought in WW2. So, do you think I find this THE perfect gift?
I would be honored to receive such a thoughful and unique family heirloom....
Your wife is quite insightful.. ;-)
So... did he love it?
I adore gifts like this. So very personal and meaningful.
And I want to see your son's pictures of the memorial. Go, right now, get them.
I'll wait. *taps foot*
Its lovely, I know he will like it!
Beth- You're at that awkward age- a little younger, yes! A little older- a whole new plan!
ake- Kind of went with your post today, didn't it?
DogB- Thanks! I kind of raised my eyebrows when my wife told me the frame and layout cost, but after seeing it- I was OK with it!
Nance- My dad was in WWII also, and I have a box full of vintage photos from France and Belgium that I really must go through again...
Finn- He did like it! to see some memorial photos, go to http://www.bouncybouncy.blogspot.com (archives Dec. 9, 2006)Dec 13 and May 13 2006 have some nice photos as well!
mel- Hard kid to buy for now that he ain't a kid!
A perfect way to come up with a gift. It sure beats an overpriced basket of plastic wrapped cheeses.
Yes it did. :)
I'm sure he will treasure this, its priceless.
great gift! Happy BD to the little Buff! =]
what a great idea! i love it!
peace
How lovely!
what a wonderful gift! and happy birthday to your son.
Great idea! I love gifts that tie us to our family history!
What a unique gift! Yes, I have family in other states and it's always a challenge trying to figure out what to buy them.
What a meaningful gift!
WWI was supposed to be "the war to end all wars." I wonder if that was optimism or rhetoric.
sornie- When I get a gift pack like that, I know the person hates me..
Ake- Timing of gift to Veterans Day was actually a coincidence!
Queenie- Our families weren't big on heirlooms- only two things over 90yrs old..
Kate- He'd prefer that to "Little Dick".....
odat- Wife quite proud of herself..
casdok- Thank you!
Pink- Thanks! Next post about food, I promise!
R.L.L.- I'm fond of saying I'm descended from poor Dutch horse thieves- They came here because things weren't going so hot for them over there...
Steph- He's single, college grad, software engineer, no children, makes good money, etc.... :)
UrbanV- By the number of people that visit the WWI Memorial, they should rename it "The Forgotten War".
As you can see....I'm waaaay behind on my blog reading!! This is a wonderful post and the "best of gifts"! It's these type of gifts that I love to give to my chilren and grandchildren.
Nice! My dad's dad was born in 1919... it seems so long ago!
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