Proof It's The Thought That Counts

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you ever think it isn't the thought that counts with a gift, think again.

The other day I came home to find a surprise in the mail; my friend Desy had sent me a soil knife - it's designed to help dig out deep-rooted weeds or rocks in the garden. I've wanted one for years, I just never got around to getting one for myself, and I know I'll think of my friend who gave it to me every time I use it, which will be often.

It reminded me of the day we invited my grandmother, who'd been feeling very lonely since my grandfather died, to go with us to the cookware shop in the Italian Market, a place she'd often visited with Pop-Pop. When I went to pay for the pizza cutter which was the excuse for our shopping trip that day, she stopped me and said, "No, please let me pay, I want you to have this as a gift from me and remember this nice day we had together every time you use it."

That was over 25 years ago and every time I use it or even see it in the utensil drawer, I remember Mom-Mom.

That pizza cutter cost 3 dollars. Believe me, even if it's a little garden trowel or whatever, it's the thought that counts.