Philip Siddons

The Two Gifts Philip Siddons

You need to come up with a wedding gift for a couple who are friends. A gift certificate for Bed Bath and Beyond won't do it. These friends are smart, witty and totally egalitarian in their value system and lifestyle. Like you, they are feminists (and who, among your peers isn't these days?) So what do you get them? When I was working in a computer firm, I heard that one of our young technicians was soon getting married. I wanted to wish him and his new life's partner well and convey my hopes for their happiness. As I thought about what I hoped for their life together, I realized that I wanted them to have what Linda and I have. I wanted them to experience an intimacy in their relationship that is free of fear - an equality where both of them can go through their individual lives, empowered to pursue their own unique dreams and passions. How do you convey that message to someone who spends 8-10 hours a day deciphering computer chip compatibility, memory board configurations and network protocols? Hallmark cards were not helpful. Enter metaphor and story themes to the rescue. My college literature major turned out to be of use after all. So I wrote this story for this couple who were starting out on their pathways together.