Appreciation

It is a rare occasion when a gift is received with true appreciation of what has been given. Generally a few empty sounds are made;"Oh how nice." or "It's just what I wanted" and the gift is dropped into a pile with the other unwanted items. It is not without reason that "gift", the german word for poison, has achieved its english meaning.

I was fortunate enough to witness an expression of true gratitude and appreciation last week. My friend Mandy is about have her first child, and will be the first in our circle of friends to take this nervous step. This means everyone is getting involved to help out and witness(from a distance)her experiences becoming a parent. Mandy and some other friends had gathered at my house for a christmas celebration and a few prenatal gifts for Mandy were being presented. Rose had decided to knit a blanket for the baby, and though the blanket was incomplete, had brought it along to show Mandy what was being created for her son. As soon as Mandy saw it, she stopped short and uttered the most gracious phrase I have ever heard,
"It's so beautiful, how can I let him shit on it?"
No words could better express to Rose how much her gift was appreciated.

Ap*pre`ci*a"tion (#), n. [Cf. F. appr'eciation.]

1.

A just valuation or estimate of merit, worth, weight, etc.; recognition of excellence.

2.

Accurate perception; true estimation; as, an appreciation of the difficulties before us; an appreciation of colors.

His foreboding showed his appreciation of Henry's character. J. R. Green.

3.

A rise in value; -- opposed to depreciation.

© Webster 1913.