(the gift is a white Teddy-bear, about 4-5 “ tall. The gift is presented in a silver/white/gold embossed box, with the card to match; the Bear is wrapped in cellophane & tied with silver/gold ribbon. It is accompanied by a matching candle. The mood suggested is somber, although the “sympathies” are almost festive, in the caring-nature of true friendship.)
MY SYMPATHIES
DEAR ONE,
I know that NOTHING can take away
or soothe the feeling of great loss
that is with you in these days.
But I want you to know
that if I could, I would.
Words are less effective in their use
without a tangible symbol to accompany them,
so this gift is from my heart to yours:
(Here introduce the white Teddy-bear
with a delicate gold-chain around his neck,
& a small crystal star on the chain.)
WHITE .....
……is PURITY,
& a kind of somber JOY,
knowing that even in this worst,
there is a kind of sad release,
which is a comfort.
GOLD......
……is VALUE,
An eternal, lasting Promise.
A universally understood gift
that is rare, & therefore carefully chosen.
A symbol of wisdom, learning,
& reward for obedience.
As a gift from kings,
it represents praise;
as a gift from me,
it is a promise of my regard,
& my respect.
CHAIN ......
……..is UNITY.
Each link only as strong
as itself, but in union,
link-to-link with others
they gain a strength & a reaching
beyondthemselves.
CRYSTAL.......
is something visible, yet
somehow unfathomable to the eye.
It is seen yet it is less than visible.
It is a lot like love.
STAR......
……..is HOPE:
A star is only visible when other,
greater lights are extinguished.
When other lights are gone away
There is always a STAR.
BEAR........
…...is LOYALTY.
Abiding, trusting, true,
unjudging, affirming, patient,
gently strong, & dependable,
defensive of those it loves.
CANDLE......
........is LIGHT,letting itself be consumed,
while setting alight the paths of others.
A candle lends day to any night.
A candle, when held well,
controls the lenghth of shadows
all around it; where there is no candle,
it is always dark, until the candle comes.
This candle is meant to represent
the Eternal Flame of our Friendship.
THESE ARE FROM ME
AS DEFINITION OF US.
I PROMISE I’LL NEVER FORGET YOU,
AND JUST TO REMIND YOU,
KEEP CLOSE BY YOU….
THIS BEAR
TO HUG YOU,
THESE SYMBOLS TO REMIND YOU,
HOW VERY, VERY MUCH I LOVE YOU.
SINCERELY, __________________
( READ THIS AGAIN, & SO DEFINE OUR “FRIENDSHIP” .)
PRESENTED TO HEART OF -----------------
GIVEN FROM THE HEART OF --------------
AT THIS SPECIAL TIME -----/-----/----------
C 2001 trexx rexpatton
How very well conceived and developed, well thought out and explained.
How precious the gift, when given in love.
How great the heart that offers such to others.
Wonderful Teddy.
Best of luck.
FM Salphire
I think that this would be a gift that would be appreciated greatly. Perhaps in lue of a floral arrangement that would soon pass away, this could be something to remain with the receiver forever.
Sometimes something that is least expected is of the great comfort in a time of great sadness.
~Lesa~