[Tink]

My Mom and oldest daughter came today and took me out to lunch for my birthday. After, Mom and I went Christmas shopping together. She had been all depressed thinking she wasn't going to be able to buy gifts for anyone this year, so I handed her some cash and said "lets go!" We both had a nice time, and she was delighted to be able to get a good start on her gift shopping. She's a very giving person, so being able to do this means a lot to her. When she tries to object about taking money from me, I simply tell her it's payback for all the help and babysitting she's done for my kids over the years, etc. She accepts that and says the help means more than she can express.

I enjoy being able to help her out now, and was glad to spend time with her today. Because I have a friend who manages a Dollar General store, I keep updated on when there are the best buys and was able to help her get some real steals today. This kind of day makes her and I both feel good.