Give the gift of you this holiday Season By Jean Mlincek Gifts! Gifts! Gifts! They have always been part and parcel of Christmas, whether the focus is on the gift of a Savior, or just gifts exchanged among family and friends . . . and, of course, Fido. But what about a very unique gift–the gift, the talent, the ability that makes you shine: the “gift” of you? My mom was an ordinary homemaker with six children in tow, but she also was a cook, baker, writer, musician, seamstress, humorist, storyteller, and teacher. Pretty impressive, huh? And she blessed a multitude of people with these gifts. I think of my dad, a tool and dye maker, yet he, too, was a musician, a worker with wood, and was pretty talented at crocheting. He would make rocking horses and exquisite doilies for people. My sister blows me away with the number of gifts she has, among them seam-stress, decorator, baker, writer, crafts person. She could–and did–make a wedding drdress from scratch, and blessed a member of her church with her work of love. She sewed teddy bears from clothing worn by loved ones who had passed, giving tangible and sweet remembrance of a loved one to those who remained behind. Each of my other 3 siblings have unique gifts. In fact, I am always overwhelmed by the thousands upon thousands of people who have amazing talent. There are artists, athletes, technological geniuses, singers, writers, comedians–all who could be professional if there were spots for them. Unfortunately, fame and fortune come to a select few. Yes, my mom, dad, siblings and I are what you would call amateurs, a term that has diminished meaning in today’s clamor for bright lights, big money, , and fame. But consider this: the word amateur is derived from the term “amour”, or love. In short, an amateur does something for the love of doing it. I have written humorous columns for Senior Voice for 13 years–without compensation–just for the love of it, just because I want to make people laugh, to get a break from the disturbing world we live in. It is my gift, and I love sharing it. Your gift does not have to be extraordinary. Got the gift of gab? Go to a nursing home where most residents long to hear the sound of the human voice. Are you an amateur mechanic? Help someone change their sparkplugs or pour antifreeze in their radiator.. Grandpa doesn’t mind having an amateur techie help him understand Roku. Amateur florist? A sweet bouquet of artificial flowers plunked in a clear vase from a dollar store can brighten someone’s table. Ponder how many gifts (talents abilities) YOU have, and give the gift of you, not just for the current season, but for a lifetime. Someone will esteem you forever. Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, FL.