- Feb 5, 2002
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A seven-year-old is preparing to open the most recent of 14 years’ worth of Christmas gifts pre-bought by her elderly neighbor before he died of cancer.
Cadi Williams is looking forward to opening her sixth mystery present from Ken Watson, who was 87 when he passed away five years ago.
After the funeral, Ken’s family was surprised to find a sack full of 14 wrapped presents for the wee girl who was then only two. Cadi’s parents were “knocked off their feet” by his thoughtfulness, which he had kept secret from everyone.
“It was magical and heart-warming,” said her father Owen Williams. “It was the feeling that gets you in the throat—when your brain is processing quicker than your heart can take it.”
Thus began the tradition of Cadi opening her ‘Ken gift’ every Christmas Eve, when the family brings it down from the attic—and so far, she’s unwrapped toys, books and games.
“We tell Cadi about how, on a dark night in December, her neighbor passed away. She doesn’t really remember him, but you can always keep someone’s memory alive by telling stories.
“There’s something quite powerful about a kindly neighbor who put away these gifts.
“What’s sweet is seeing my daughter’s development as well. She’s gone from being a toddler when this started and now she’s seven. It’s like a record of her growing up.”
Continued below.
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
Cadi Williams is looking forward to opening her sixth mystery present from Ken Watson, who was 87 when he passed away five years ago.
After the funeral, Ken’s family was surprised to find a sack full of 14 wrapped presents for the wee girl who was then only two. Cadi’s parents were “knocked off their feet” by his thoughtfulness, which he had kept secret from everyone.
“It was magical and heart-warming,” said her father Owen Williams. “It was the feeling that gets you in the throat—when your brain is processing quicker than your heart can take it.”
Thus began the tradition of Cadi opening her ‘Ken gift’ every Christmas Eve, when the family brings it down from the attic—and so far, she’s unwrapped toys, books and games.
“We tell Cadi about how, on a dark night in December, her neighbor passed away. She doesn’t really remember him, but you can always keep someone’s memory alive by telling stories.
“There’s something quite powerful about a kindly neighbor who put away these gifts.
“What’s sweet is seeing my daughter’s development as well. She’s gone from being a toddler when this started and now she’s seven. It’s like a record of her growing up.”
Continued below.
Girl Will Open Latest Christmas Gift From Elderly Neighbor Who Pre-bought 14 Years of Presents Before he Died
A 7-year-old is preparing to open the latest of 14 years’ worth of Christmas gifts pre-bought by her elderly neighbor before he died.
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
