When a gift is not just a gift

I was just looking over some of our previous orders and came across one that really hit home.  Now I know that most of the gifts we purchase are done at the last minute. Maybe you thought about what the perfect gift would be, but  then got extremely busy (which happens... I know) and then realized..... Wow that party or special occasion is just a few days away.... or more commonly.... tomorrow. So you make that last minute trip to the mall in search of something that could be looked at as a gift you put a lot of thought into. But then after going into the 7th store and walking out empty handed you finally say.... just pick something!  I hate to admit this... but that has been me many of times. I don't intentionally do this, but sometimes I put too much thought into it and go in search of "perfect" gift... not find it and then have to settle. 
  What I don't think people realize is that sometimes what you give a person might end up being one of the things they love the most..... something that will be in their lives forever, and possibly the lives of their children. Now don't get me wrong... there is nothing wrong with giving a really warm sweater or a comfy pair of pajamas... I love those too... and they are great gifts for those everyday occasions. But that is not the kind of gift you would want to give for a wedding or anniversary, a  first Mother's Day or Father's Day. Some occasions require long lasting gifts ... something to touch their hearts.... because these are the days they will remember forever... the days that will bring tears of joy to their eyes when they are thought of.
 During the Summer we received an order for out Personalized Names in the Sand Photo. We worked on that photo and sent it out within a few days.  It was just 2 names and a date in the sand. By the date we had a feeling it was for an anniversary. A few days later we received this email from the woman who ordered it.
"This gift means a lot to me. When I was a little girl my dad and step mom would take us camping. I used to carve their initials in the sand all the time. My dad is now terminally ill and this will be their last anniversary so thanks so much for what you have done. I know they will cherish it."
This letter brought tears to my eyes..... I know what it is like to lose a parent... and I know just how tightly you hold on to the objects that meant alot to them. I know that whenever her stepmother looks at this photo she will be reminded of their wedding day & her love for him. And possibly one day this photo will be given to their daughter to have & to cherish. This was the day that I realized just how deeply our photos touch peoples hearts.... and that sometimes a gift is not just a gift.... it's much more. This is the reason why we put a lot of hard work into our photos... because we know just by ordering one... you are putting a huge amount of thought and love into your gift.