Bishop Edsel Ammons   The gift came a week before Christmas, 1990. The giver was friend June Ammons. Fully aware Death's Angel was flying near she took time to select it for my wife. 

   When June died four days later at 62 the unopened present became  especially meaningful because of an unusual choice. My wife decided not to open it.

   "Wrapped it remains an unforgettable memory of June & a mystery," she said.

   Thirty years later the gift still sleeps in the green box & red ribbon June tied around its waist.  One day she may open it. But maybe not.

   Imagine a friend spending one of her final hours buying you a gift. Opened, it may soon end up in the closet of the forgotten. Wrapped it could, in special cases, become unique, sacred & a holy expression of one of Love's sweeter mysteries.

-Erie Chapman

Note: Since I could find no picture of June here is her beloved husband, Reverend Edsel Ammons, who was Bishop of the Methodist District that oversaw Riverside Methodist Hospital & OhioHealth when I was President of both. 

   

    

5 responses to “Days 280-284 – A Unique & Sacred Gift”

  1. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Good morning and thank you Erie for sharing this beautiful and treasured remembrance with us. Your wife’s response reveals a sensitivity to truly receive June’s gift; the gift of love…and two dear people who enriched both of your lives.

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  2. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    What a blessed story of a gift so moving yet still unopened. Both gestures speak to the personal qualities of giver and receiver!! I will try to remember this when Christmas once again arrives on my doorstep. I will take my time and maybe leave the best gift until last to honor its giver and increase my appreciation.

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  3. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    thank you so much, Terry. You are so kind to notice the power of such a gift. NOT to open a gift under the circumstances I described is something unique in my life experience.

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  4. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    Yes, thank you, Liz. As I wrote to Terry NOT to open a gift is an experience unique & touching.

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  5. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    Wow, I never thought someone could not open a gift, and what a profound action. Perhaps I could do that one day.

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