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Memorable Gift

When did someone give you a gift – one that cost little, if anything – that made a crucial, positive difference in your life? Contributors share their personal stories.

A memorable baby gift helped others facing difficulties
Relationships

Remembering Others in Joyful Times

ByDeborah Kerbel December 20, 2024July 9, 2025 Updated onJuly 9, 2025

Author Deborah Kerbel shares the story of a memorable gift celebrating the birth of her daughter, which also helped a baby living in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Read More Remembering Others in Joyful TimesContinue

Something as simple as help with dishwashing can make a big difference.
At Home · Relationships

The Gift of Dishwashing

ByAmanda Doherty-Kirby December 20, 2024January 27, 2025 Updated onJanuary 27, 2025

A mother remembers one of the best gift she’s ever received, which arrived when she was preparing to move her family.

Read More The Gift of DishwashingContinue

Truly memorable gifts are those that are handmade or personalized.
At Home · Relationships

Treasuring the Imperfect

ByCathy Carr December 20, 2024January 27, 2025 Updated onJanuary 27, 2025

An author describes her favorite handmade present, and considers why gifts with a personal touch are preferred by most people.

Read More Treasuring the ImperfectContinue

Photos in airmail envelopes weren't a substitute for seeing relatives up close
Outside & Around · Relationships

The Gift of Being Seen

ByFallon Farokhi December 20, 2024January 27, 2025 Updated onJanuary 27, 2025

A librarian and educator shares how a long-ago visit with a relative in Iran resulted in one of the most memorable gifts she’s ever received.

Read More The Gift of Being SeenContinue

Chickens are the inspiration behind an amusing nickname.
At Home · Relationships

A Creative Anniversary Surprise

ByGwen Lannaman December 20, 2024January 27, 2025 Updated onJanuary 27, 2025

A teacher receives an amusing special gift from her husband, who is on a business trip during their anniversary.

Read More A Creative Anniversary SurpriseContinue

Mom truly believed Santa made a special visit to see her
At Home · Relationships

Gifts of Love and Time

ByJohnna McDonnell December 20, 2024March 18, 2025 Updated onMarch 18, 2025

A teacher describes how Christmas evokes special memories of her mom, and some steps she takes to make it through and celebrate the season.

Read More Gifts of Love and TimeContinue

Some people are unenthusiastic about a trip to Las Vegas.
Outside & Around · Relationships · Work

Discovering the Real in Las Vegas

ByLinda Peters December 20, 2024January 27, 2025 Updated onJanuary 27, 2025

A teacher describes receiving a gift of insight during what initially seems to be a routine, work-related Las Vegas trip.

Read More Discovering the Real in Las VegasContinue

Encouragement and planning can help a child struggling with social challenges.
Health · Relationships · Work

The Gift of Encouraging Words

ByAbbie Werner James December 20, 2024January 27, 2025 Updated onJanuary 27, 2025

A behavior specialist describes the gift of receiving an encouraging message from a former co-worker at just the right time.

Read More The Gift of Encouraging WordsContinue

tilt-shift lens photo of gold Christmas bauble
Health · Relationships

Lessons in Companionship and Hope

ByAnne Elliott December 20, 2024March 18, 2025 Updated onMarch 18, 2025

A publisher shares how an aunt and uncle’s support during a difficult time in her family is one of the greatest gifts she’s received.

Read More Lessons in Companionship and HopeContinue

A long search to find birth parents
Relationships

A Gift of Three Lives

ByDave Sacher December 20, 2024January 27, 2025 Updated onJanuary 27, 2025

A father and grandfather looks back on his earlier life, including his adoption and army service, and shares how researching his ancestry has resulted in three ‘gifts of life’.

Read More A Gift of Three LivesContinue

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Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.

 

Menderist is a place where people share short essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments when a difficult day or situation begins turning around. We’re building a community to help each other feel less alone and more hopeful when dealing with daily challenges.

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