[reason 25] a bag full of axolotls

 

There was a bag of gifts sitting under our Christmas tree until we took it down. The bag of gifts was moved to a nearby table and it was soon joined by another bag, and then another. Although we wanted to deliver them to their recipients, life got in the way. Then illness got in the way. And then finally we were able to make the delivery, albeit in a hospital room. 

Perhaps the hospital room and that day and that time were perfect for the gifts. They lifted spirits and provided comfort. After all, who doesn't love a bag full of axolotls? 

Now, when I started collecting gifts for this person, I didn't intend for it to be a bag of axolotls. It started with the first one and then I found a friend for it and added it to the bag. And then there was this axolotl pin that I felt this person just needed to have. And then a Christmas axolotl crossed my path and somehow made it into the bag. A second bag given to the same person contained yet another axolotl. It was just an axolotl kind of day. The third bag was for the rest of the family. 

What were originally Christmas gifts for friends turned into gifts of comfort amidst a series of ill-timed, long-lasting health crises that have changed the lives of this family. I hope these simple gifts remind them how much we care for them and serve as a [reason] amidst the difficult times ahead.