Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Tis the season for gift giving, whether you celebrate Hannukah, Las Posadas, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or a Hallmark "every day is a holiday" creation. People are buying gift cards, and trinkets to make someone they care about feel the joy of the season. Yet, it is said, "The best things in life are free." (Interestingly this saying is credited to Coco Chanel who also famously added, "the second-best things are very, very expensive.") I believe this is true, "the best things in life are free" as it relates to dollars and cents, and one of those best things is the gift of presence.

Isn't it funny how things from your childhood pop up from time to time. I can remember friends and adults telling me, "You better quit your storytelling." I grew up in a generation where you didn't use the word "lie," you were either fibbing or telling stories. Today, I consider myself a necessary storyteller. My medium is narrative poetry and prose.

During a recent author talk, I found myself talking about the investment that my ancestors made in my life. Because they allowed me to be curious and took the time to answer my incessant questions, they each contributed to the person I am and am becoming. The husky laugh of my great grandfather, the supernatural patience of my great grandmother, the academic prodding of my grandmother, the fervent prayers of my mother, the proud recitations of my great uncle - all these things and much more have left an indelible mark on my life and my worldview.

As I was sitting in the library, it suddenly occurred to me that I’m a writer who has never written about reading, one of my favorite pastimes. Every day I encourage my parents and students t…

As I was sitting in the library, it suddenly occurred to me that I'm a writer who has never written about reading, one of my favorite pastimes. Every day I encourage my parents and students to read. Parents because they are role models of good habits, as well as reading allows them to share precious moments with their children. Students because reading is such a critical element to their education and their future lives.

Not too long ago I wrote a piece on Fighting Loneliness (click the title if you missed it) . It was about missing the special relationships I had with my grandparents and great grandparents as well as their brothers and sisters. I really miss the times we spent together sharing stories and our hopes and dreams. Each one of those relationships hold a special place in my heart and always will, but that doesn't mean I don't treasure the relationships I have today.

Yesterday I was talking to my twenty-one-year-old grandson, and he was telling me all about his dreams for the future. It was very exciting to hear the enthusiasm in his voice along with the seriousness of his intention. He has set goals, both long and short term, for certain things by different ages of his life. I encourage him to pursue these with all his heart and to be aware that setbacks doesn't mean stop it just means reroute.

Grateful to have two poem accepted and published in the DeKalb Voices Review. Check them out. You will enjoy the others contributing authors as well. I would love your feedback. Peace

DEKALB VOICES REVIEW