I couldn't believe it when I saw Oprah give away a 15 gig iPod to every member of her studio audience. Ahh...to get a gift like that.

My friend at work, Todd, asked me one day which iPod would be best for him to buy for himself. I had done a fair bit of research on iPods, but like a fancy sports car, it's something you dream of having, but know that you'll never really get one...especially being a father of 3 young children...it's not quite in the budget. I was so excited for him and printed off a bunch of info about the different models, and I thought the 15gig would work best for him and his budget.

Two days later, I returned to my desk after break to find a package on my seat and a note that said:

I just got paid for that home inspector job I had you do for me, in fact I double billed him, and told him that it was because he owes me $1,800 that I probably will never see, so he was more than fine with that. So I had this juicy check that I wanted to give you and a little voice inside of me said to do something else. (then he said some nice things about me...) I give credit to our Heavenly Father for the inspiration that he gave me to do what I have done. Now I want you to know that I am not giving you this little gift, I am only the middle man taking what you earned and instead of paying you, I squandered it on something that I hope will make your heart squeal with glee, because I know you would never do this for yourself. Enjoy, my friend, you deserve every note!!
Todd

A feeling of confusion and of dawning realization of what might be in the box hit me as I grabbed an xacto knife to open the package. I looked at Todd, who was turned around watching me, and said "You didn't." And he just smiled. I looked inside the box and saw the black box top with the white Apple logo and I was in total shock. Nothing else, that I knew of, that Apple made came in a box this size. The "sports car" was sitting there on my lap, and it was mine. The exact iPod I told Todd would be best, and it was mine.

I don't know of many friends that are this thoughtful. Sure, it was my money? money that I would have spent on bills or something practical, but Todd had the insight to know that I would enjoy this gift a hundred times more than a paycheck.

The trouble at this point was to explain this to my wife. :D
But she was very gracious and understanding.