I had no idea where, when or how. It is just something I have always wanted to do and never have. I just put it out there. As a wish.

I have a goal on my 2014 goal card to go on a ski holiday with my children. You know, on a real mountain.

My cousin who lives in Colorado, emailed me at Christmas time out of the blue, with no previous discussion on the subject, the day after (did you hear me? The day after) I wrote this goal privately on my goal sheet, telling me he wanted to give the three of us a present. He is flying us to him for a long ski weekend with his family.

He has seen my girls in action. He likes who they have become. He wants them to know his people better. He has three small children and a wonderful wife. When his own dad died of a heart attack when he was just a little boy, with a thousand questions and a whole life ahead of him with no dad to answer them, my dad stepped in as best he could. He called him “Unk”.

He came to my dad’s funeral in November. We are not a big family. I believe he is craving family connection.

There was a long and extended time in my life when I would never consider accepting a gift this generous. It would embarrass me or shake my pride or make me uncomfortable. I am getting really good at accepting the kindness of others.

After all, when I offer something, I want it to be accepted.

I am finding it is both generous of us to give and generous of us to receive.