Best gift ever: a jar of stars?

Personal essay.

Hi, Friends!

When my daughter Libby was a toddler, I made up a guitar lullaby. Played it for her almost every night, after which I was known to say to her, “I love you more than all the stars in the sky.” Accordingly, the title of the lullaby eventually became known as “All the stars in the sky.”

But as Libby got older and more self conscious, bedtime tucking-in rituals and the lullaby became things of the past (i.e., not something for “big girls”).

Years later—on Father’s Day 2015—all the stars that used to come out only at bedtime suddenly came out in broad daylight.

And brought this dad to his knees.

More specifically, Libby presented me with a “Jar of Stars.” A Ball jar, to be exact. Filled with what appeared to be little three-dimensional objects made from yellow, light blue and dark blue construction paper and folded into the shape of stars. A label taped to the outside of the jar read as follows:

JAR OF STARS

This jar contains 70 stars. When unwrapped each star reads with a quote or saying.

YELLOW - If you are looking for a smile, pick a yellow star. Each yellow star contains a quote or lyric from the Beatles or a member of the band that is sure to bring you back to the 60s for a moment as well as put a smile on your face.

DARK BLUE - If you are in need of motivation and inspiration, choose a dark blue star. Each of these contains a quote that will relieve you of negativity and also put a smile on your face.

LIGHT BLUE - If you are looking for a reminder of how much I love you and appreciate you unwrap a light blue star. Each of these contains a quote or saying that is guaranteed to remind you how much you are loved by me.

I love you more than all the stars, too.

Happy Father’s Day 2015 - Love, Libby ❤️

Naturally, I was speechless (but I suppose my watering eyes said everything that needed to be said).

I unwrapped a few of the stars in front of Libby—dumbfounded by her creative thoughtfulness and the time it must have taken to research and package up such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime gift…

A yellow star: “When you’ve seen beyond yourself, then you may find peace of mind is waiting there.” – George Harrison

A dark blue star: “It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” – George Eliot

A light blue star: “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could could give to another person. He believed in me.” – Jim Valvano

And so on.

I unwrapped more stars later, but saved a handful as inspirational “insurance.”

Even ten years later, as I sit writing this post, eight of the stars remain in the jar—still unwrapped—inches from my left elbow.

Maybe because I don’t want “all the stars in the sky” to ever end? 🤔

If I haven’t told you lately, your readership and ongoing support is solid gold!

Peace & Love,

Mark

P.S. Click below to hear the lullaby…