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It is pleasant to choose them, it is pleasant to give them, and it is pleasant to receive them. And here is the question: “What is the most significant gift?”

The significance of a gift can be discussed in terms of monetary value, in terms of personal need or pleasure, or to remember the gift. In my mind, I began to sort through and remember life events, gifts, and people. Travel, cars, and jewelry are all good things, but there is much more behind all this.

All gifts are associated with the people who presented them. People are a real gift of fate! Something that is expensive but that cannot be bought. Remembering people, we remember places associated with them, moments of life, or moments of meeting and maybe parting. We re-experience the full range of emotions that each person recalls. We remember their voice and smiles, their shining eyes, hugs, and even tears. Our parents, our children, our close people, and our friends—they are all gifts of fate. And even an ordinary person whom you accidentally meet and talk with on the subway can pray for you. This does not leave you indifferent. All these people come to us for a fuller and deeper understanding of themselves, their character and actions. They can teach us new things and show us a new path that we did not even think about.

I am absolutely sure that the people we meet in life are the best gift! A gift of fate!

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Marina Petrunicheva writes: “I was born in Smolensk, Russia. I have lived in Brooklyn since 2021. I am a wife and a mother of two sons whom I love very much. I am a creative person, fascinated by photography, painting, ceramics, and people. I love to travel, learn about cities, and visit museums.” Marina Petrunicheva studies English with Lori Sbordone at the Catholic Charities International Center, which is directed by Elaine Roberts.