The Stolen Gift

December 29, 2014 by Chevron Spots 5 Comments

There is someone in my life that has been a fundamental influence on my character. I cannot express enough just how much she has helped me to grow, how much love she has shown and how important she has been in keeping me on track from drifting in to my own little world, or pushing everyone else away.

As we grew up we were inseparable. Many residents of the small country town we lived in actually thought we were sisters, that she lived with my family, and were stunned when she moved away with her parents at the age of 15. We were so inseparable the joke became we were joined at the hip, and to this day we still call each other Hip in reverence of the strong childhood relationship we shared.

We have lived in different places for over ten years now, and have spend very little of the time in between together. Yet the bond is still strong, the relationship still honest and full of affection. the fact of her existence in my life, particularly through times of ill-health, is one of my anchors. The knowledge of her presence, even if not always physical, stabilises me and keeps me as positive and grateful as the knowledge of my parent’s presence.

A person like her, in my opinion deserves to be told and shown often that they are truly valued. For years I had a plan in mind for the ‘Greatest Gift In The World’. The one that was specifically tailored to suit her and show her how thankful I am to have a friend like her.

So I stole her favourite book by her favourite author. (The Name of the Wind)

I posted it to the United States (we live in Australia).

Once there, the author (Patrick Rothfuss) signed the book and drew a simple sketch on the inside cover.

It was then returned with money I had sent for the return postage.

I presented the book to Hip as a surprise early Birthday present.

I created a website detailing this adventure, which I shared as a Christmas gift to Hip and her family. It is called The Stolen Gift and is a Weebly site.