The Perfect Gift
Buying gifts for my Dad is challenging, when asked what he wants the answer is usually “It’s not necessary to get me a gift” or “I don’t need a thing.” This Christmas was no exception. The only thing my Dad could come up with was t-shirts, but oh, by the way “Your sister already took that idea.” Drat!
Amazingly enough, I didn’t have to think long before I came up with the perfect gift……time together. He has always loved flowers and the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee. We have gone several times over the years, but he never tires of those three domes.
At the last minute my Mom wasn’t able to join us, so it would be a special daddy/daughter day. We arrived at the domes with no agenda, no real time constraint other than a lunch reservation, but we had plenty of time to enjoy each area. The first dome was a tropical rain forest which was humid and lush green. We took our time to notice the exotic flowers, trees and plants. He would uncover something I hadn’t seen and visa versa, as we shared our discoveries.
The next dome was the desert, arid and unlike the lush green from the humid tropical dome, but it had it’s share of green from America and Africa. Cacti was abundant, as were signs telling visitors to keep away from the prickly surface. We noticed the wide variety of plants that weren’t familiar to us.
It was on to the final dome, by far both our favorite, and the one we always save for last; the show dome, which hosts seasonal and holiday exhibits. We knew it would be spectacular and it didn’t disappoint. Brilliant shades of green, red, pink and white filled the room, along with a beautiful Christmas tree and gingerbread houses lining the walk. We wandered and sat, over and over again until we covered the room from every possible angle. We saw something new at each location, while we talked about the beauty of the color along with normal conversation.
We ended our special time with a delicious meal, and were treated like we were the most important people in the restaurant, as I suspect every other person felt the same way. The service was wonderful and the food spectacular, which included lobster, one of my Dad’s favorites.
Our day was memorable in every way, and this daddy’s girl is grateful for the special memories and precious time…..the perfect gift. Merry Christmas, Daddy!
Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday season, give someone you love the gift of time.
xoxox…..Sheryl