I can vividly remember the emotions of my favorite birthday, although I cannot recall exactly how old I was when it occurred.

I was young, maybe 11 or 12, and I really, really wanted a Snoopy desk blotter set. I saw it at the local card store when a bunch of us kids rode our bikes into town to buy stickers and such. The big blotter had on either side a puffy area with Snoopy and Woodstock over a faux blue denim background. It also came with a pencil holder. Boy, I wanted that desk blotter set so much!

I was convinced there was no way I was going to get it. I don't know if I was led to believe that because of the cost of it or perhaps that I didn't really have a place of my own to put it - but either which way, I resigned myself to not receiving it.

I remember sitting on the floor in the living room, opening the gift and then bursting into tears. I couldn't believe that my parents bought it for me! (I still well up now thinking about it and I'm 48!)

I don't know why I was so moved - maybe because I knew with four kids and a stay-at-home mom that this gift was "big", maybe because they really heard me and knew that I wanted it, maybe because it made me feel special - I can only speculate all these years later.

That my parents got this gift for me was overwhelming. I have since had many birthdays and received fantastic gifts, I have been very blessed, but ask me what one gift blew me away and it is hands down that Snoopy desk set! It left an indelible mark on my heart.

Thanks again Mom and Dad!

Jody