I really love Michael Ian Black and a whole collection of his essays made me really happy. I started reading right away and could not put it down!

After Mother learned that she was suffering from macular degeneration, she decided to give me the gift of sight. I'd been very near-sighted for years, so she gave me LASIK surgery. It was amazing. I had it done 2 years ago, and I haven't had to wear glasses since that time. I also see much better than I'd seen in years. There couldn't have been a greater gift!

I was getting older, and seeing other kids riding bikes. My birthday is in Fall, so the summer was past but it was still nice out. When I saw my own bike that day for my birthday, I was so happy, though it still took me a while to learn how to ride. :-)

I have collected hippos all my life. My mother had divorced my dad and she was raising me alone on the money she made from a job at K-mart, so she had hardly any to spend. She made this hippo from a pattern, and worked on it in secret. "Herbie" had a little hat and white collar and tie. He was so cute we both laughed until we cried over him. This gift was very special because of her thought and effort. I am now 50 years old and I still have and cherish Herbie the Hippo.

I never buy myself jewelries. It was so great and memorable when my mom and sister found just the right jewelries for my birthday. I love and use them every single day!

It is a great gift because I never expected to receive it. It is also a memorable one as it came from a special friend as a symbol of his love. He gave it so that we can communicate everyday and that we will not miss one another. It's not actually the value that counts but the thought and the love that goes with it.