The Gift That Keeps Giving

Christmas gift-giving can be a trying experience.That Christmas, I didn't get a robe. But I got a
Shopping for just the right present for everyone ondifferent sort of gift -- a subtle, unexpected one that
your list requires much thought. What do they need?doesn't wear out, become obsolete or fall out of
Is it the right size, color, and style? What about thefashion: the gift of understanding that it's important
quality? The long lines at the stores for returns theto take a stand for your beliefs.
next day prove just how challenging it can be.My father was a man of principles. He'd go to great
And after all that effort, how long will your purchaseslengths to argue his case if he thought something
really last? In today's world of disposables, plannedwas wrong or unfair. As a teenager, I often viewed
obsolescence, and ever-changing trends, it's rare tohim as stubborn, difficult, and even embarrassing at
receive a gift that lasts more than a few seasons.times. But now, with the wisdom of age and
For these reasons, Christmas presents at our houseexperience, I see him in a different light.
were sparse. To my perennial disappointment, myThrough his commitment to his values, he taught me
parents weren't much into buying gifts. They had noan important lesson that day at the mall. I didn't
patience for the whole process. My father especiallyrealize it at the time, but it influenced me deeply.
lost interest when everything started beingNow as an adult, I, too, am compelled to speak out
manufactured in China. Dad was a proud veteran ofwhen I feel something isn't right. The values I speak
World War II, and he didn't like the notion of ourout for may in some cases be different from his, but
goods being produced on foreign shores.it's the commitment to them that matters.
I recall one Christmas, after some prodding, heSometimes the gifts we receive from others are not
agreed to buy me a robe, but on two conditions.wrapped in paper and bows. They are not
First, I had to pick it out. If he was going to buy it,manufactured, bought or sold. They are the gifts of
he didn't want any guesswork. Second, it had to beteaching by example, of inspiring and motivating, of
American-made. Simple enough, I thought. Sopassing on lessons of living. After the flurry of the
together we went to the local mall, trudging fromholidays has come and gone, these are the gifts that
store to store in search of a robe made in the U.S.A.endure.
Dad pored through the racks, scrutinizing every label:I may have been shortchanged at Christmas when it
Made in China. Korea. Cambodia. Vietnam. (That onecame to getting presents, but my father gave me a
really perplexed him.) Surprisingly, there wasn't one togift much more precious and lasting than anything he
be found. In each store, he confronted the salescould have bought at the store: strength of character
clerk and asked why they had no robes made in theand conviction. Top quality, perfect fit, and no
United States. I was frustrated and embarrassed, butexchange or return needed. A belated thank-you,
he persisted. It was really important to him, and heDad.
wanted to make his point.