Daughter wants frivolous gift

Something frivolous. That was the answer when I asked my daughter what she wanted for her birthday. Something frivolous.
I had already picked out what I thought was a suitable present, but hadn’t ordered it yet. Back in March, I had asked her what she wanted and she said she wanted unbreakable mixing bowls. I had chosen a nice set, then because it was under my spending limit, I also picked out a new orchid plant for her. But before I finalized the order, I checked with her again, mostly to be sure she hadn’t already bought mixing bowls.
When she requested anything that is not the least bit practical, I scrapped my idea of mixing bowls. That left me in a quandary. What was I going to get for her? To complicate things even more, this is a birthday that ends in a zero so I wanted to give her something special.
I called her husband for ideas. He was no help at all. He simply repeated that she wanted something frivolous.
Great. Now what? I shopped the newspaper advertisements for ideas. They were full of suggestions for Father’s Day. I didn’t think any of their products would appeal to her.
I finally decided to send her a peach tree. She planted one last year and I thought it could use a friend. Another problem cropped up. The only nursery I knew in Texas was out of fruit trees of any kind. Most of the other places I checked didn’t ship to the lone star state. I finally remembered a tree catalog I had received earlier in the year. Her peach tree is on its way.
I also went back to my original idea and ordered a couple of vanilla orchids for her. She is the only person I know who can get the often temperamental plants to rebloom. The vanilla orchid she used to have died a few years ago. Her husband said it was his fault that it died. I’m guessing that he is as good at taking care of plants as he is at giving suggestions. He loves her and treats her with kindness and respect so it’s OK if he isn’t perfect.
I also bought a package of her favorite cookies, Oreos, and a couple of small odds and ends to send to her. Most of the care packages lately have contained stuff for the children and nothing for her. This one will be different.
I think I have fulfilled her wish for something frivolous.
Or have I?
Everybody needs something to look forward to. The peach tree will give her the anticipation of someday eating the fruit of a tree she planted herself. Plus, she will be reminded that I love her every time she waters it. Is a concrete symbol of love frivolous?
Beauty is vital to life. If it were not so, the whole world would be gray and nobody would care that it was. The orchids will give her the joy of anticipation of future blooms. In addition to converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, they feed the soul’s need for beauty.
The Oreos and other small things that will appear in her mailbox show her that I listened to her request for nothing practical. Isn’t being listened to what most of us want?
She is my daughter and I want to give her the world. Instead, I have given her what she has asked for. I know she will like her gifts as much as I like the person she has become. There is time enough for practical presents. This year she is getting something frivolous.[[In-content Ad]]