I’m telling you, there’s nothing like the power of appreciation. Hi there. I’m Edna Sanders and I’ve just finished up another batch of my delicious chocolate chip cookies here in what everybody calls Edna’s Kitchen. I don’t know if you realize it, but my cutting board sure gets a lot of attention. Folks who visit my kitchen seem to have something to say when they notice it. What in the world is so special about a cutting board, you ask? Well, normally, not much. I mean, you generally turn to these handy, flat, boards to chop up vegetables and other ingredients for cooking. But I have to admit, this one is a little different than what you’re used to seeing.

Here, take a look. Yeah, it’s handmade from a really nice piece of wood. No, you’re exactly right. It’s not your run-of-the-mill type of kitchen item.

The shape of the darn thing is what gets people talking. It looks like a big saw! Yes, you heard that correctly. My cutting board looks like the tool that carpenters use to saw a piece of wood in half. And, that’s what it’s supposed to look like. My husband, Harold, made it for me down at his store. You know, the Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store on Main Street. He modeled it after the sign in his store that says Soda. Why on earth would he do such a thing? Settle down, now. It was an anniversary gift. Well, yes, I was a bit taken aback when I first opened the package. To be honest I wasn’t sure how to react.

Here’s the thing. Harold is a sentimental sweetie, even though he won’t admit it to the guys. So, when he saw me looking at my cutting board saw for the first time, he was a bit shocked at the awkward silence. Next, he noticed my look of utter confusion. Worse yet, for him, I still wasn’t saying anything. Anyone who knows me has rarely seen me unable to speak. Harold will tell you that.

There was only one thing he could do. He just took over. Harold looked at all our friends and family who had gathered together. Then, he told them the reason he had made this gift for me.

“I can see, Edna, you’re confused by the gift I made for you to mark this special occasion. I can tell because you are rarely at a loss for words.”

“Harold, really.”

“So, here’s the deal. Edna, everyone in town knows I think you’re the prettiest, kindest, most wonderful person I know. I love you to pieces. But what they may not know is that I fell in love with you the minute I SAW you.”

“Oh, Harold.”

“Even if my gift is a little bit corny, I wanted you to know the story behind this cutting board. I really do appreciate everything you do for me, for our four-legged kids, Boomer and Halley, and for the good people of Shady Pines. I love you so much.”

Before you knew it, we’re all clapping and wiping a tear from our eyes. He’s something, my Harold.

And that is the reason why I display this unusual object with pride. It’s my reminder that you should always appreciate the kind gestures of others. And, even when you don’t fully understand the gift in front of you, know there is value in the generosity it represents. That’s what we should all celebrate and treasure whenever we can.

Showing appreciation for someone is The Shady Pines Way!

***Leave a comment and let us know what you think.