Crissy Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Okay. The surprise was ruined last week. A phone conversation was had while the gift recipient was standing *right there*. Still, we are excited to give this gift next week, and it continues to take shape as one of the best gifts EVER. Many of you know that my son (14) has been volunteering at our local library since his 11th birthday. Long before then, he thought that he may, eventually, want to be a librarian. A few years ago, Jeffrey decided that he wanted to visit all 42 libraries in our county system. My husband and I wanted to support his love of books and libraries, so we agreed to take him to each of the library branches to visit, check out a book or two and have his picture taken in front of each building. During this process, the director of our library system found out what he was doing and invited him to a meeting when Jeffrey finished his tour. On his 12th birthday, we took our son to visit the director at his office where he gave Jeffrey a certificate of achievement and a gift of books as he congratulated Jeffrey for doing something many of the system's own employees had not done. The following month, there was a wonderful article about his experience written in the library's newsletter, which they sent to us as a keepsake. Since then, Jeffrey has continued to volunteer at our local branch, and has applied for the position of page now that he is of the age that he may legally work in our state. The most recent development in Jeffrey's 'Love of Libraries' story involves the nation's top librarian. A family we count among our greatest friends recently moved to the Washington DC area. Just a month or two after they moved, one of our friends found herself at a woman's luncheon seated next to the wife of the Librarian of Congress. They surely had many great conversations, and among them was the story of Jeffrey and his passion for books and libraries. Shortly after, Jeffrey received a package from the Library of Congress. It was a surprise to me, and I asked him if he had ordered something that I was not aware of. "Of course not," he told me as he opened the envelope. It turned out to be a fat brochure about the Librarian of Congress. And a Letter from the Librarian. Two hand-written pages encouraging Jeffrey in his reading adventures and his volunteerism for our libraries. And an invitation to Washington DC for a special tour of Thomas Jefferson's personal library with the man himself, the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James H. Billington. Our mouths hung open. We cried. We couldn't believe it. Later that night my husband said to me, "You do understand that we have to make this happen, don't you?" I just nodded, but I couldn't imagine how we would do it. Eleven years into this marriage and I am still amazed at the people my husband knows and his will to get things done. We got a phone call this afternoon from the Assistant to the Librarian of Congress wanting to set up a meeting for our family and Dr. Billington. We are going in January. We have a date. My son is going to be so happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 That is *wonderful*!!!! What a great gift! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Okay. The surprise was ruined last week. A phone conversation was had while the gift recipient was standing *right there*. Still, we are excited to give this gift next week, and it continues to take shape as one of the best gifts EVER. Many of you know that my son (14) has been volunteering at our local library since his 11th birthday. Long before then, he thought that he may, eventually, want to be a librarian. A few years ago, Jeffrey decided that he wanted to visit all 42 libraries in our county system. My husband and I wanted to support his love of books and libraries, so we agreed to take him to each of the library branches to visit, check out a book or two and have his picture taken in front of each building. During this process, the director of our library system found out what he was doing and invited him to a meeting when Jeffrey finished his tour. On his 12th birthday, we took our son to visit the director at his office where he gave Jeffrey a certificate of achievement and a gift of books as he congratulated Jeffrey for doing something many of the system's own employees had not done. The following month, there was a wonderful article about his experience written in the library's newsletter, which they sent to us as a keepsake. Since then, Jeffrey has continued to volunteer at our local branch, and has applied for the position of page now that he is of the age that he may legally work in our state. The most recent development in Jeffrey's 'Love of Libraries' story involves the nation's top librarian. A family we count among our greatest friends recently moved to the Washington DC area. Just a month or two after they moved, one of our friends found herself at a woman's luncheon seated next to the wife of the Librarian of Congress. They surely had many great conversations, and among them was the story of Jeffrey and his passion for books and libraries. Shortly after, Jeffrey received a package from the Library of Congress. It was a surprise to me, and I asked him if he had ordered something that I was not aware of. "Of course not," he told me as he opened the envelope. It turned out to be a fat brochure about the Librarian of Congress. And a Letter from the Librarian. Two hand-written pages encouraging Jeffrey in his reading adventures and his volunteerism for our libraries. And an invitation to Washington DC for a special tour of Thomas Jefferson's personal library with the man himself, the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James H. Billington. Our mouths hung open. We cried. We couldn't believe it. Later that night my husband said to me, "You do understand that we have to make this happen, don't you?" I just nodded, but I couldn't imagine how we would do it. Eleven years into this marriage and I am still amazed at the people my husband knows and his will to get things done. We got a phone call this afternoon from the Assistant to the Librarian of Congress wanting to set up a meeting for our family and Dr. Billington. We are going in January. We have a date. My son is going to be so happy. Wow! Incredible! What an amazing adventure! What a wonderful gift! What a spectacular boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Wow!! I have goose bumps! You have an awesome son. I hope you all have a great time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jami Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 (edited) That is a fantastic story and gift, Crissy! Awesome! For graduation, you should take him to Oxford to poke around the Bodleian library. :D http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/bodley Edited December 18, 2008 by Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cedarmom Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 That is so incredibly exciting! My family thought it was such a big deal to visit the Library of Congress, but your trip will be even more memorable. I am so jealous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Wow! Thanks for sharing and hope you all have a great visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMindy Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 I'm so excited for you guys!!!!!! I can't wait to see lots of pictures and hear about your experience!!! What else are you going to see while you are there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted December 18, 2008 Author Share Posted December 18, 2008 What else are you going to see while you are there? Ummm. Andie? I hope. Beyond that, we haven't planned much. Do you have any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 That sounds like so much fun. Great for you helpping this to happen and your friends as well. Have fun, Allene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Inna* Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Wow! What a great story! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Oh. My. Goodness. This is a hugely amazing story! I'm so excited for your family and for Jeffrey! I'm printing this right away to show A&R tomorrow morning! Thank you so much for sharing your joy with us. And please tell us ALL about it when you get back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Wow! That is so wonderful. What a great present. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apiphobic Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Most excellent news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 What an awesome gift, and a great story your son will have of all of his experiences! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Wow! I got all emotional just reading that. How exciting for your son, and the rest of your family!! I can't wait to hear about your visit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 That is absolutely awesome! How wonderful for your Jeffrey! Way, way cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Ummm. Andie? I hope. Beyond that, we haven't planned much. Do you have any suggestions? That's it. If you're seeing Andie you've got to stop and pick up me & my boys. I am green with envy over this entire thing :D! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie in AR Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 That sounds wonderful, Crissy. What a great trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 wow!!! Just . . . wow! What an amazing opportunity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepy Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 That is awesome! What a wonderful opportunity for your son. I hope you all have a wonderful trip! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted December 18, 2008 Author Share Posted December 18, 2008 Thank you all for sharing our excitement. JudoMom, we've decided to stay in a hotel near the library so we can walk everywhere and forgo a rental car. The only problem with that choice is that it will be difficult for me to see everyone. :001_huh: I am going to try to work something out, though. I don't want to fly all the way over there and not meet anyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 (edited) Wow, Crissy! You have every right to be so proud of and excited for your son! I've mentioned to my oldest before that he might consider volunteering at the library and/or working as a page when in due time. Unfortunately, I think my boys attach a kind of stigma to the whole concept of working at the library. They love reading, and love the library, but for whatever reason I guess they feel odd about working there ~ especially on an unpaid basis. It bothers me and I'm not sure how to change their thinking.:001_huh: I'm going to share Jeffrey's story with them. Among other things, it's a good example to them of a person taking initiative, which I worry is lacking among my guys. Sigh. Eleven years into this marriage and I am still amazed at the people my husband knows and his will to get things done. Yes, knowing the right people sure does help in life. I think I can safely say my husband isn't in the "know" with anyone of great import. (Nor am I, for that matter.) Btw, if your dh has the connections to get you into the inauguration during your visit, I will officially be branded, permanently, green with envy. : ) Edited December 18, 2008 by Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinMominTX Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 That is the coolest story I've heard this season. What an awesome son you have. What an awesome parent you are. Have a wonderful trip. Please post lots of details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Oh, that is a way cool thing! Enjoy your trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Oh Crissy, what a breathtaking story. I'm crying here. Your motivated boy is going to go far, especially with the two of you to back him up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Crissy, thank you so much for sharing that story with us. I, too, have goosebumps. I think it is one of the best Christmas gift stories I've heard. You must be an incredible mom to those two boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 I remember when Jeffrey did his library visits. How very cool is this!! What a wonderfully exciting trip this will be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Oooh....I have *GOOSEBUMPS*! What wonderfum memories---- and how special! Mark my words--- your Jeffrey will one day be the Librarian of Congress. I can feel it in my bones! Astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 That is WAY cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kat19 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Wow!! What a great gift! Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 As a librarian, I am totally jealous. How fun! I always wonder if other sorts of people go look at their own workplaces when on vacation. When I'm on a trip, I always want to go to the library and see what it's like. Dentists probably don't do that. Who else does? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 What a Fabulous Gift! I can't tell my ds, he would be sooooo jealous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.