A gift is a gift. I don't think that giving her a quilt this year means you have to give her something "special" next year. I think you spoke about quilts and she said she didn't have one and you heard a longing in her voice (or something). A gift isn't a payment, a gift is a something you want to give (unless you have an awful family and HAVE to give an awful person a gift) :>) Sometimes an unexpected gift can be the start of a whole new line of kindness and love. She doesn't have to know the cost, she will realize the kindness, the love. I think your instinct was to give it to her and you should follow your instinct.
I'm giving a lap robe to a (not very good) housekeeper who is putting her life together after years on drugs. She's been clean a few years now and my daughter and the cleaning agency woman are working with her to improve her skills. She admired my quilts and she is getting one this Christmas. Not because she deserves it, but because there is something in her I admire and I want to give her a piece of love and encouragement. Mine is only $100 because I quilt my own (and I'm not very good), but that doesn't alter the "price" of the love given. Go with your first thought. You'll never be sorry!
Last edited by Sierra; 12-16-2011 at 08:30 AM.