Friday, December 19, 2008

The Perfect Gift

I truly appreciate the reason for this season and it never leaves my heart or mind.

Yet to so many of us “gift giving and receiving” has become such a big part of these holidays. What is the perfect gift? Think about it!

Well if I ask my three-year-old, grandson it could be anything from “Transformers”, to Batman, Pirates or the last thing he has seen on Television or in the aisles of the toy stores. Why not, he is three and if Christmas is not about children and babies and new and young lives, then what is it about? As a grandpa there is no immediate better gift I can receive than seeing your grandchild or child happy. So for kids, give them things and they are thrilled.

Then if you ask almost any person who has battled with and who has suffered from obesity they will tell you that, “The perfect gift would be to be thin and look like (this movie star or personality). I want to have a beautiful body forever and not have to worry about gaining weight”. Now now you know that this is a true wish’s of so many. We look for that perfect image rather than a lifestyle. This is often why many of us fall short of our dreams.

Some of us want things! Real material like things. As we get older, the list of the kind of things we want may change. For example; First it is toys, such as dolls, G.I. Joe’s, Tinker Toys, Slinky. Then we get a little older and we want games. Games such as, “Mystery Date”, “Monopoly”, “Stratego”, Chess and the list goes on. We become teenagers and maybe we might add to our list of the “Perfect Gifts”; the “Girl on the next block”; or the “Boy next door”. When we get older the list gets more serious. We want Cars, houses, diamonds, trips all kinds of Things, Things Things!!

One of the “things” on my Christmas list is this “Teeth Whitening” system. My wife wraps it up for me and on Christmas, I open it in front of my family and I make a big fuss over it. I then realize everyone around me is laughing, why you may ask? The reason is that this is the same exact gift she gave me last year, and the year before that, and the year before that and so on, for the past ten years. I keep asking for this same gift, I get it, never use it, she puts it aside until next year and I forget about it and she “re-gifts” it to me over and over again.

Things! You want them, sometimes you get them, you might even use them, sometimes you do not use them. They may wear down, you may get bored with it, it might break or become out dated. They are just things. The point is, as we get older, how many “things” do we need?

Rarely by Christmas, do I really need anything, that I have not gotten by then. Now, do not get me wrong. I love to give gifts! I love to give gifts, to people I love. To my grandchild, oh to see his face, to see his joy and hear his excitement is priceless.
I love to give to those who may be in need this year (to charities). I enjoy giving to my family, my son and daughter in law, my wife, my friends.

This is how I get my gifts, by bringing a smile to someone’s face...but I do have a “Perfect Gift” list.

The perfect gift(s) for me this year? I will tell you.

First (I know it sounds corny) is ‘World Peace’. Call me selfish but I want to see the people of the world to be able to live together and in harmony. I want people to be able to travel and to be able to go shopping, without worrying, about being blown up. I want to see countries live as neighbors, as they should.


Then my next perfect gift would be health! The gift of health to my wife, to my daughter in law, my son, my grandson and whoever ever may come into my immediate family in the near future.
I want good health for my mother in law, and the rest of my family and friends. Right now, I want a little extra special gift of health to a very dear special friend of ours, who needs it and I believe will get it.

Another perfect gift for me of course would be for me this year to be able to continue in personal growth and once again newfound freedom. My ability to go out in public. To be able to accompany my wife occasionally and to participate in life and basically be a player once again rather than a spectator. I want to be able to continue to face my demons head on (food and other demons) and often, very often come out victorious.

My last gift on my “Perfect Gift List” this year would be serenity! A continued growth of serenity in my overall being. Serenity around me and in the lives of people that matter so much to me. Serenity in the Universe, in my Universe. Serenity is followed by a certain special happiness and happiness is very nice. .

So there it is! That is my personal, “Gift List” my so called, “Wish List”. So if you see these gifts “on line” or on special at Wal-Mart or Target, just drop me a note.

Gifts are nice to give and receive and it is fun to share in the joy of giving and receiving. Yet in my opinion, the best gifts are not physical things you can buy in a store.

The best gifts …you get from special places.

You now know what my four perfect gifts are. What about you?

What are your perfect gifts? Share your thoughts with us …


To all my dear special friends who visit this blog page

Please have a joyful, peaceful, fun filled, happy and healthy holiday and New Year

Love to you and your loved ones

Mike

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
This message was worth waiting for. I have re thought my Christmas list. You have given me reason to rethink it. I am glad I came to your blog today.
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
You have a wonderful outlook on life and I believe it is catching. You are right about me wanting a movie stars body.
Thelma

Kathy said...

When my father was receiving treatment for cancer, there was a Christmas tree in the lobby where patients would write their wish on an ornament and hang it on the tree. I will always remember one that said, "I hope I am here next Christmas."

Before I can think about what gifts I would want, I first have to give thanks for being alive. All the little things we take for granted become the most prized gifts of all when they are gone.

I also wish for serenity, Michael. Some type of peace in my soul to help me battle my eating disorder. I am coming out of a very bad year. I relapsed to a point I never thought I would return to. Something I know you can relate to.

Knowing you are here to help and understand and having this blog is a gift I am very grateful for this season.

Anonymous said...

I started thinking is there really a perfect gift....and i thought hard about this after reading your blog...sure i can wish for all the normal stuff i want to be thin i want happiness i want peace .. i want all this stuff ..but those are gifts i have to give myself...those are gifts that are deep within me .. i need to unwrap them cherish them and learn how to use each gift daily .. each moment..each second...
Do i wish these gifts for others yes i do but again they are inside of you...they dont cost anymore ...all they cost is looking deep inside you and grabbing them and holding on to them...we all have these gifts we just need to slowly unwrap the package and look inside the box because it is a beautiful gift...
Sure i can sit here and list material things off but material things are not important for me so now i sit back after reading this and am thankful for the gifts i have in my life... my family and friends.. my health no matter what it is its there and i am still here...inner peace with the struggles i deal with..well i know that will come in time and each day i manage to deal with one then put it in the right spot...
So today i wish everyone a great holiday and remember look inside you and find that special gift ...and i know it sounds like im on a soap box but things just clicked in my head as i was reading this and writing it....so right now i m sitting here very much at peace and saying to myself yes you finally realized so much in this short period of time that you have been writing this blog...So Happy holidays to all

Love always
Carol

Anonymous said...

Michael
I have to thank you for the gift of this blog. Reading what you have to say and knowing you are out there is a special gift. I have to totally agree with Kathy and I love what Wendy and Carol both had to say. I get so much from this whole blog. This is really a very special gift as are you Michael. Happy holiday to you and your family
a friend
Helen

Kathy said...

Have you ever thought about writing a book, Mike? I think your story is so remarkable.

Anonymous said...

Mike
Listen to Kathy we want a book. You have such an interesting and inspirational life. How about giving that to us next Christmas.
I love this Perfect gift message, I have to tell you that you are right.
Merry Christmas
Cynthia

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
Your "Perfect Gift" Posting has me reconsidering what is really important. You make me, rather you help me to see the world in a different way.
Thank You
Henry

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
I have to agree with you, the perfect gift can not be bought!
Sandy

Anonymous said...

Mike
I am so impressed with this blog posting. I have printed it and enlarged it and had my whole family read it. Things are so not important you are so right and I am going to begin to live that way. Things have always been important to me. Thanks Mike
Have a Merry Christmas
Joan Ca

Anonymous said...

Michael
Just to let you know that I made it through the holiday and I have you to thank
Sally

Kathy said...

Atta girl Sally!!

Anonymous said...

Thank You Sally
I hope all is going well with you too.
Sally

Anonymous said...

Hapyy New Year Michael. I find you inspirational too and a book would be great!

Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Mike Looking forward to your New Years message. Hope you and your lovely family have a happy new year.
Linda

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
So very glad I found this blog page. You have such and insight on life I look forward to reading some of your past postings and look forward to your future ones
Jenifer

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
Saw you on the Brookhaven special and now found this web site. You sound like you are doing great. I hope all is well. I love what you are writing and sharing please continue with it, you inspire me and I know many of my friends.
Thank You
Brian

Anonymous said...

Great Blog

senorziltox said...

hi Mike,
what has brightened my mood lately, has been my contact with Val on facebook, initiated by him, I'm always happy to speak to anyone from bk, I recently spoke to yvette whose doing well, and to Mini, and I've of course been up to the place to see Laurie, but the big surprise was running into tina!(slimmed down!) at the building's christmas lunch party, who seemed to be in far better spirits, as for me, I stumble a little and then I pick myself up again, my seagull friends have returned, and I've resolved to take another run at college, and at least checkout the rockaway art group, I tried to add your son as a friend on facebook, but he may not know who I am, at least I think it is your son, and I've actually cooked chicken in the oven and not the microwave!! Happy Holidays Mike and Madeline, and all of your family.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Mike
How about a New Year blog post. Some of us look forward to them.
Have a good one.
D.

senorziltox said...

hi mike! the night before last, I got a call from Barbara Wodka!! she's doing fine, but the big news is that I finally made contact with a special guest star who is home from the daughters of jacob: DIXON!! who is still refreshingly the one and only, hope you and your family have a very happy near year. your brother in this fight to get back in phase, Todd.

Magicsmom said...

Mike, you're looking great! What wonderful thoughts you have for your wishes. God bless you, and Happy New Year!

Terry

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Wendy
So glad that you have become part of our blog family. I enjoyed your comments and I have to share something with you. I have found in my life that I re-thought many parts of my lifes journey many times along the way. Sometimes this was spark by something I read or saw or heard. Then there were times it just popped into my little old head. Whatever the reason may be, taking advantage of the opportunity and making positive changes in our lives is always a good thing! Wendy have a great day and I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Thelma
You are a movie star! We all are! Growing up I wanted to look like Robin (Batmans partner) then it was Travolta in Greese when he did the Greese Lightening song. I just pictured me in those black jeans standing on the car doing that song. The only problem was I weighed at that time about 380 pounds (imagine the top of the car) and I can not sing! But you know what Thelma I am me and there are things that I do and have done that Robin and Danny Zuko can not do or have not done. At one time in my life I almost drove myself wild trying to be what I was not and probably could never be.
It wasn't until I knew who I was and became comfortable in my own skin, then and then only was I able to travel along my road of recovery.
Be well, be you
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mike Hebranko said...

My Dear New Friend Kathy
I just want first wish you and all those you care for dearly a very happy and healthy New Year. I also want to thank you for your contribution to this blog page and assure you that you are a welcomed member of our blog family.
Have a good and healthy one
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

My Dear New Friend Kathy
I just want first wish you and all those you care for dearly a very happy and healthy New Year. I also want to thank you for your contribution to this blog page and assure you that you are a welcomed member of our blog family.
Have a good and healthy one
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Carol
What can I say except as we get ...more mature in life, how un-important material things actually are.
Carol good luck this year and all the best of health to you and yours.
Happy New Year and let's keep in touch, I know I owe you a call.
Love ya
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dearest Helen
I am very happy you enjoy this blog page. Yes, Kathy, Wendy, Carol and so many others all have very valid and important things to share with all of us. We learn from each other...isn't that the truth?
Have a Happy and Healthy
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Cynthia my friend
Thank you for the encouragement and I have a book, I need a publisher. Do you know one?
Once again thank you very much and I wish you a very happy and healthy new year
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Henry
Keep your eyes and heart open and never stop looking or believing.
A happy and healthy new year to you
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Sandy
We are in agreement, friendship is one of those nice gifts that can not really be bought either. Have a happy and healthy new year
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Joan
Glad to have been part of your holiday. Please wish all my best to your family and I wish you all a great new year!!
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Sally
What a great gift you have given yourself! Now have a great healthy New Year
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Cheryl
right back at you and to all your loved ones. I hope this year is filled with health and all good things for you
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Linda
It is coming! In the meantime have a great day and I hope for you a wonderful New Year!
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Jennifer
I look forward to you as a regular member of our blog family. I also wish you you a wish you a very happy and healthy new year
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Brian
I am happy you found the blog page and I am doing great! Life is a beautiful gift and I am taking advantage of it.
I hope you have a great new you and please keep in touch
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Daer TZ
I look forward for 2009 being a great year for you. I know you try real hard and you as long as you keep trying you will not fail. So never give up TZ.
Good luck and happy and healthy new year
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

D.
It is coming. I am so sorry but December just rushed right by. A new posting will be here soon. Time is funny, I seem to have so much of it except when I look back and say "where did the time go"?
Thanks for asking and "D" have a great coming year
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Terry
Thank you and God bless you and your loved ones too. I wish you all the best this coming year and may all your dreams and hopes come true.
Love
Mike

Anonymous said...

My wish would be to never wakw up again.
Annie

Kathy said...

Sweet Annie. No matter what type of despair you have found yourself in, I send you from my heart of hearts a wish that you will realize your worth in this world. If there is one example that Mike shows us all it's to never give up. May you have a restful night and wake with the pain in your heart replaced with gratitude.

Mike Hebranko said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Sweet Annie
Please do not waste a wish on such a thing. I do not know you personally but I do know the feeling you may be experiencing. It was January 21st 1988 I was in a bad place but my desire to live was stronger than I even realized, even then.
Sometimes when we are in the middle of a circle, surrounded by fire we can not believe there is hope on the outside of the circle. Yet there is and there is life, and joy.
Annie hang in there and if need be tonight, tomorrow, or the next day, if you find it really difficult to hang in there...do not,... believe what I am saying, do not be afraid or feel ashamed to reach out for help. Either call a friend or call for professional help. You are not alone and do not have to be alone.
There are many of us who have been where you are today and there is a tomorrow, a tomorrow that is so much brighter.
Annie please keep in touch, we all care about you!!!
Love
Mike
PS
Thanks Kathy