The very best gift I ever received was getting back my sense of humor. In my early 20’s I was working this terrible job where I had to work 2 graveyard shifts, 2 swing shifts and a day every week. After about 6 months of this I completely lost my sense of humor. I mean, NOTHING was funny. At all.

I quit that job, and it took me a few weeks to find a new job. The new one I landed was all graveyards, and I actually grabbed the dishwasher by his apron lapel and demanded that he keep me awake. (I was a short order cook…) He was the funniest person I think I’ve ever known, and he gave me back my sense of humor.

So, what is your best gift ever?

So, what is your best gift ever?

I have a few.

Namely my children but the bestest gift ever for me was,... wait for it,... hang on,... it's coming,... are you ready,... MY DIVORCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm with Penni! First my kids and then my divorce. Best birthday gift (just before my 40th birthday) my ex EVER gave me.

Have to say I have had many blessings though including my mom and my sister and then several other kids in my life.

The best gift in the cosmic sense was Michael. 'Nuff said.

Crystal, I think you are referring to charism's or gifts within ourselves, right?

If so, I think my greatest gift is honesty.

There are so many, but I would have to say my 4 children and my husband.

The best gift I ever received is the breath of air I first took upon arriving here. Without that I'd not know what I know, do what I do or Love like I Love

Crystal, I think you are referring to charism's or gifts within ourselves, right?

Right Paula! Obviously our children are gifts. I was hoping to provoke something deeper. Now, if you realized that you had to get your act together because you realize that would be the best thing for your child, then I would say that was a gift from your child. (After my son was born, I realized I couldn't be a party girl any more, and that I had to get my act together. That was his gift to me.)

In that case, my greatest gift was from my father. He died, quite suddenly, more than 10 years ago and it was a terrible time. But later on I realized that every time I think of him I feel hugged. That's a priceless gift, comfort on tap.

This is a wonderfully thought-provoking thread. Vines, I love your story. Laughter is one of the things that makes life worth living.

It's hard to pick just one thing, since I've had many gifts and lucky breaks. Toward the top of my list would have to be a referral to a shrink provided by a dear friend many years ago, which literally saved my life and gave me back my self.