How to Enjoy a Gift that Keeps On Giving

Have you ever received a gift that you felt was a “forever gift”? A gift that keeps giving? Like a tree that some one planted that as it grows, you remember the giver? Or jewelry that is reminiscent of the person who gave it to you? Today, I am enjoying my forever gift.

A gift that keeps on giving.

A few years ago, this sweet friend gifted me a chocolate mint plant. I put it in a large planter on my deck and then realized year after year that it was a great reminder of this friend. I have always had mint growing. Enjoyed it in my tea; hot or iced.

I have always tucked it into large servers of tea with strawberries or lemon.

But, I had not quite known what to do with the chocolate mint.

This sweet gift, however, has more meaning today than ever before. For years, the giver of this plant had her feet under my table, her laughter and sarcasm booming with those around her, and if you were lucky, you would hear her sing. Her claim to fame was her cooking.

And, duplicating ANY of those recipes today would require stock in sugar, cinnamon, butter or cream. Lush. Lavish. Delectable. Cakes. Cookies. Bread. Sorbet. Chocolate. Words simply can’t describe her ability to bless others with whatever she served.

And then she became ill. With a move for her health. And for years, we corresponded by phone and an occasional visit if her health would allow.

Last fall, my husband spoke at her funeral. I picked out her gravestone. We traveled to her home, cried and laughed with family and friends and as we ate together around the table after her funeral, we all talked about how she would have loved to have been with us at this meal.

And then, one day this summer, as I was preparing a cup of tea, I felt a tug that chocolate mint needed to be added. I could hear Debbie say, “girl, you really need to add that to your hot tea.” Oh. my. goodness. It rocked my world. And I thought, that’s what you do with it!

So, I began harvesting to see which way of keeping it for long winter tea times will best keep it.

The first method began when I tucked some into a paper bag a few weeks ago. And, it was delightful placed into a tea strainer (or bag) and added to my cup.

But, then, I tucked some away in ice cubes.

My third method was the microwaving method of dehydrating. In short little 30 second intervals on a paper plate until they were the perfect dryness. Brighter green and still lovely.

And…drumroll please…the ice cube method is my favorite!

If you haven’t tried it, may I suggest it? I think it will make a perfect gift tucked in with tea, which was one of her favorite things to do…give to others.

But, best of all, I will think of my friend each and every time I have tea or share a cup with friends around my table. And if I give it away? I know she’ll be smiling.

Don’t mind me…planning how to root these little cuttings into tiny potted plants…more forever gifts that keep on giving…

As you prepare for the holidays, think about a forever gift. One that keeps on giving, that makes someone remember memories with you. I’m treasuring mine. And if you have your feet under my table…feel free to ask to sample it. We’ll enjoy together and I may even tell you memories of my friend. And perhaps, we will just make more memories together.