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40 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, January 27, 2005 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Real Estate Guide Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People Volunteer Opportunities Moving to Southern Oregon? MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend December 19, 2004 Since WE Asked: The ‘Holiday’ Spirit We asked about memorable gifts received or given during the holidays, not expecting that one such present would come our way through e-mail. A cyber-reader brought us to task for the use of the word "holiday" in our question, rather than simply use "Christmas," questioning what our ulterior motives were for the phrasing. Simple enough. Along with Christmas, we just passed Hanukkah, during which gifts are traditionally exchanged, and we wanted to include all our potential readers. Heck, many folks celebrate the solstice — although we’re not sure whether gifts are part of the rituals. Our correspondent didn’t get around to answering the question, so we’ll spare the rest of you the e-mail; but we’ll keep it here at Since We Asked World Headquarters as a welcome reminder that no good turn goes unpunished. We asked: Advertisement "What's the most memorable holiday present you either ever gave someone or received?" Several heartfelt responses follow. After reading through them, please take a moment to answer our new question. And ... Happy Holidays! On Christmas Day, 1946, my parents gave me a used, gasoline, washing machine motor, so I could build my own go-cart. And I did. — Jack H., Jacksonville We gave some comfy socks and combs for bed-ridden residents at the nursing home. They were happy to see those wrapped presents, even though they can't hardly open them. It was a very special sight to see, especially for my young children. — The Goodman family Giving birth to my beautiful daughter on Christmas Day. I not only received a priceless gift but gave a gift of life also. — Roberta L., Medford A padded toilet seat, plus diamonds and gold to go on me with it. Seat ripped. Jewelry still serves me well. My dear husband knew I'd be delighted with that dumb seat, though. And so I was! — Patti I., Cyberspace During the holidays in 2002, I bought my mom a plane ticket to visit her brother in Michigan. She hadn't been out there in years and though she didn't want me to spend that kind of money on her, I knew how much she wanted to go and that she couldn't afford it herself. That gift was worth more than the money it cost because when Mom passed away suddenly a few months late,r I was glad she had gotten to spend her last Thanksgiving with that part of her family. — C.P., Central Point My wife had gotten laid off work in February 1995 and didn’t find work until September. The new job didn't pay much but we were thankful for the paycheck. That December I got a call from Ken at the Medford Gospel Mission. He said someone gave him my name as a family that needed help for Christmas. This was an answer to prayer, and though I had not worried about our two teenagers, the younger two might not have understood that there were no gifts this year. Two days before Christmas, I went to the mission and picked up a large bag full of wrapped presents. Christmas morning was wonderful. The Gospel Mission had given us several gifts for all four children and even snuck in a few for me and my wife. — Dan T., Central Point Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, I wrote my mother saying I was sure going to miss soft toilet paper. Received half a case for Christmas. — Dean L., Medford December 10, 2004: At the Medford airport, the arrival of my son returning home from Iraq. Children held a banner welcoming home the National Guard Soldiers. It was the greatest Christmas present I have received so far. Watching soldiers for first time setting eyes on their newborn babies. What a beautiful Christmas. — Fawn R., Roseburg My most memorable holiday gift came from my daughter, who moved to Southern Oregon 10 years ago with her mother. When she was 16 (she is now 20), she gave me a gift that I shall always treasure. It is a framed photo, with the frame featuring accolades to dads. The photo is a picture of me holding her on the day she was born. — David B., Austin, Texas This Week’s Question It was announced this week that the state could begin operating video slot machines by July in order to raise money to fund state troopers. While the money is needed — for law enforcement and other state necessities — we wondered whether you thought raising it through gaming enterprises was a good direction to go. We ask: "What do you think about the state's increasing reliance on the lottery, video slots and other gaming outlets to pay for state services?" Please keep your answers brief and on the issue at hand. Responses received without your name and town can not be considered for publication. All responses will appear on the Web site a week from today. You may submit your answer by using the form here on the Web site, or you may respond directly to [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Student Loan Consolidation Conference Calls - $50/Month Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker, Trunk, Footlockers