The Unforgettable Gift from a Distant Family Member

Have you ever received a present from a distant family member that left a lasting impression? This is my story of a gift that changed the way I look at gift-giving forever.

My Cousin's Sweatshirt

One of the most memorable gifts I received was a sweatshirt from my cousin who runs a dog rescue in Chicago. The sweatshirt says, “My dog and I talk shit about you.” While this may seem off-putting, our HOA had previously tried to bring in a weight restriction for smaller dogs, which they voted against. We decided to keep it loose to accommodate both our huge dogs. I was super excited to wear it and show everyone, despite my initial reservations.

A Macabre Surprise

One day, I received a mysterious letter in the mail, informing me that I had to pick up a package from the customs office. Not knowing what was inside, I decided to check it out. The customs officer began by asking me a series of questions, ranging from whether I was related to any convicted killers to whether I had a psychological history or abnormal fetishes. I answered no, as it was the truth.

After being fingerprinted and having a DNA sample taken, the officer returned with a box. I opened it, and instantly recognized the contents: a blue vase full of baby teeth. At this point, I was extremely worried that I might be in serious trouble for something I didn’t know about. However, once the officer explained the situation, I understood the shocking and emotional background to the gift.

The Backstory

My great grandmother lost her husband in Buchenwald and nearly lost her children in concentration camps, including Stuthoff and the Ghettos of Riga and Ldz. To preserve a piece of her family, she collected baby teeth from every family member, including me. She believed that the teeth were the only part of a person that survives death and that as long as she had the vase, her children were with her. My great-grandmother passed away at 96, and her great aunt, understanding my grandmother's emotional state, had the vase sent to me.

The gift arrived in a box that was X-rayed while being transported from Arizona to Florida through Mexico. Customs chose the box for further inspection, leading it to me. While the whole situation was quite shocking, it has deepened the bond between me and my distant family members and taught me the power of a thoughtful and personal gift.

In conclusion, receiving such a unique and personal gift from a distant family member not only enriches my life but also connects me to my family’s rich history and resilience. This experience has shown me the importance of appreciating the stories and traditions that bind us, no matter the distance.