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Mrs. Smith's birthday was right around the corner but with Mr. Smith losing his job money was tight. Everyone wanted to buy a perfect gift for her but with her being the only breadwinner they couldn't ask her for money to buy her own present. The family debated what to do and finally arrived at a solution.

On the morning of her birthday, everyone gathered around her bed as she woke up. They passed a shoebox forward that was decorated with drawings and flashy colors. Mrs. Smith opened the shoebox and peered inside. Multiple strips of paper were there and one by one she picked them up and began reading them.

"When times are good and when they’re bad, you’re the best wife I could ever have. From our first date, I knew that I was going to spend the rest of my life with you. Glad to know I was right. When you blow out your candles and make wishes, I hope that they all come true. Happy birthday, sweetheart. -John"

"Mothers are the greatest gift that anyone could ever have. I’m so grateful to have you in my life. Happy birthday mom! -Alice"

"Thank you for being such an awesome role model for me. You will always be my biggest inspiration. Happy birthday, mom.-Tony"

"When times are good and when they are bad, you’ll always be the best mom I could ever have. Happy birthday! -Corrine"

"Happy birthday mom ill try to do beter in skool i love u - Raymond"

The family watched as Mrs. Smith read each note. They hoped she would understand how much love and care accompanied each one and that she would feel the emotions each one contained. When Mrs. Smith finally finished reading them all she put the box down, looked around the room and blinked. "Wow," she said. "These are the worst gifts I've ever received."



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