Gifts with strings.

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I’ve decided to give away some of my family heirlooms. I no longer need to keep them and got into a significant discussion over this with my imaginary friends online. Some of them thought there should be absolutely no conditions attached to any gifts.


I think this is pure BS.


I don’t think there is any gift given that does not bring with it implied, if not, specified stipulations.


I fell very strongly about this.


Several friends felt passionately about their position too. They alleged they would never accept ANY gift if even one string was attached. One even called it niggardly if conditions are applied to giving. Again I call BS.

When hypothetically huge sums of cash were involved most but not all sang a different tune.


My feelings about this go back to my childhood. Every birthday or Christmas gift came with implied stipulations.


When Grandma gave us silver dollars for special occasions, we were to keep them and not spend them on candy or toys. I always did as she wished. If I wanted to buy soda, even though she did not specifically forbid it, it was clear she did not sacrifice to give me the Lady Liberty to get soda either.

When we got a little older, Mom gave our pet rabbit to the maid for her children. She told Hattie that if her kids were not old enough to take care of our precious rabbit she would find it another home.

Hattie took the rabbit home to her kids with its cage and a month's worth of food.


The next week Rosie asked Hattie how the rabbit was.


Hattie said: “Ms. Philbrick, that was the best rabbit we ever et.”

I guess her kids were old enough to take care of that huge white angora; of course someone had to kill, clean and cook it first.


When I do pass along these family treasures I am going to make sure everybody is clear what the provisos are. None will be implied. I will be niggardly but not reluctant about it.

Take it or leave it. 

I am not giving any of myfish to the heron.  Please don’t eat the pets.

© 07.11.2010 steven d philbrick SR+ DakotaDawg