Gift of Thank You

FOND MEMORIES COME TO ME from the 1960s, remembering the arrival of annual gift boxes my family received via parcel post during the holidays from Harry & David of Medford, Oregon.

Amazon delivery didn't exist back then. Can you even imagine?

My dad would carefully open the waxed cardboard shipping container and, with his capable fingers, separate the lightweight kraft paper strips to reveal the foil-wrapped Royal Riviera® Pears.

Each pear was placed on the kitchen counter to continue ripening for a few days. It felt like an eternity. Anticipation certainly championed our mood, and hope filled the air for the sweetness the gems would soon deliver.

This scene brings up so many happy memories of my family and the many friends and neighbors whose generosity showed in such gifts. A thanks to my Dad for serving the community in so many ways. He was an amazing man and a great father.

These thoughts rev me up to rekindle a gift box offering with fruit, cheese, and wine from our NW Michigan orchards, wineries, and artisan cheesemakers.

I'll ask Amazon to deliver them.