Someone recently asked me what the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received was.
Usually, people have to think for a second, then say, “Oh, I know — it was this!”
But I can’t do that.
Because my mind is flooded with thousands of little gestures my mom gifted me over the years.
It didn’t matter how small the need or want was — she noticed, she cared, and she helped.
If I said, “Ow, I got bit by a mosquito,” the next day Amazon was dropping off anti-itch cream.
When I started hemodialysis and complained that the center was cold, she sent me blankets, books, and warm sweatpants.
When I said I wanted to go to Colombia, my birthday gift that year was a bag full of every toiletry imaginable — and then some.
And it didn’t stop there. She didn’t just get me things I mentioned — she got me things that reminded her of me:
A plushie from a movie we watched.
Fidget toys because she knew I always needed something in my hands.
Snacks she knew I liked.
And I’m proud to say this wasn’t just my experience — it was everyone’s.
She gave and gave and gave.
Her love language was giving gifts… but beyond that, and I always tried to remind her, the most precious gift she ever gave me was her time.
Running errands.
Doing crafts.
Sharing stories.
Watching horror movies — no matter how B-rated.
Playing games.
I loved it all so much.
I love her so much.
We all will miss her deeply. She left a huge imprint on every one of us, and we’ll carry her love with us always — and we’ll still hear her voice, telling us how we should’ve moved this piece instead of that one in Aggravation.
Game nights won’t be the same without you, Mom.
Thank you for everything.
We love you.
-Keisha