The absolute best present I have ever recieved was a "Schwinn" bicycle when I was 8-years-old. My aunt bought it for me with earnings from her first job, and I don't know who was prouder - her, for being able to buy it, or me, for owning it. It was metalic blue, and (to date myself) had high rise handle bars, a sissy bar and a banana seat. Man was I cool!
More recently, this same aunt gave my wife and I a hand operated food-processor. It probably cost her less than $20, but we have used it a lot in the two years we've had it. Every time I use it, I think, "Man, what a practical gift." And I think of her, and I think of that bike. Now that I write this I think I will tell her, so we can get a laugh at the memories.
My sisters gave my wife and I a bread-maker for our wedding a few years back and we wore it through constant use. We did not buy bread for two years and my wife still thanks them every now and then.
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"The death-knell of the republic had rung as soon as the active power became lodged in the hands of those who sought, not to do justice to all citizens, rich and poor alike, but to stand for one special class and for its interests as opposed to the interests of others. " - Theodore Roosevelt
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