"your Mother Said You'd Rather Have The Money..."

[sandyRoe]

I can't write that on a congratulations note, so I penned this. Does it seem OK?

'Just a few brief line to congratulate you on getting your degree. Well done! It must have taken a lot of hard work particularly as you were holding down the job at the same time. Time now to take it easy for a wee while.
I was going to get you a small piece of silver by Hester bateman to mark the occasion. Her dates, 1708-1794, covered a period that couldn't be anything but interesting to a historian. I wasn't sure if you'd like it, so instead I've enclosed a cheque.
Once again, congratulations and well done!'

[ummmm]

That seems okay.

[rockyracoon]

I think that's quite nice, I'd just put 'congrats' and be done with it.

[factor-fiction]

Just a minor point- in the first sentence 'line' should say 'lines'. Are you hoping he might actually buy the silver with the money and that's why you want to mention it? Presumably he was also studying History so that's why you mentioned the historical aspect. If so, the only change you could make is to replace "I was going to..." by "I was wondering whether to..."

[sandyRoe]

factor-fiction, I was thinking that the money would be soon gone but a small piece of silver might be something that would act as a permanent reminder of the day. That's why I did mention it. And yes, it's a history degree. I'll make the changes you suggest.
Thank you all.

[mccfluff]

thats a lovely thought, are you sure she wouldn't want the silver?? I;d be so pleased with that

[EvianBaby]

I'd like to receive the silver. It's very thoughtful.

[emmie]

i would go with a gift, money can be used to go and get bladdered, but the gift will always be reminder of the person who gave it

[whiskeryron]

Personally I would prefer the silver piece which would last a much longer time than the cheque & would be a permanent memento.

WR.

[Tilly2]

I think I'd prefer a piece of silver from Uncle Sandy.

[factor-fiction]

Maybe the mother meant that she would prefer her son/daughter to get some money

[coccinelle]

Our generation might prefer the gift but talking from experience I know the younger generation would prefer the money. Nowadays, even for weddings they prefer cash.

[elliemay1]

Yes, most of US would prefer the silver but I presume this is a young adult.

[Peter Pedant]

Oh God Sandy can you send the Hester Bateman to me ?

I got a third in Law in 1973 by the way. It would go very well with the tankard my father was given by a grateful client 1953 who said some day this will be worth something.

er and how much was the cheque by the way

If they arent interested in collecting, they arent interested
and all they will do is sell it (take it from me: family experience)
and then in twenty years you visit and say you still got the e silver I gave you,
and they say o no ! I sold it for the deposit on this. The dealer said the mark was common and there was a lot of it about, so all it would fetch is the bullion price - fiiiive poooondz and you go O God.....

The second para is too much about what you havent given and should read:

I wasnt sure if you would like Hester batemen silverso I've enclosed a cheque... as the last para not the last sentence

and one thing Sandy - you have already sent the note havent you ?

[Peter Pedant]

a piece of silver is forever hahahaha
no soon down to the pawn shop in my family

[McMouse]

I always think sending money is a cop out, especially for milestone events such as graduation. An appropriate memento has more lasting value than 'beer tokens'.

[Tilly2]

I bet you wished you hadn't asked now, sandy.

[Peter Pedant]

No beer money at that age

my mother's step mother at my grad at 1973 said I want you to buy some beer for your pals,here's £5
Beer was 13p a pint then

[elliemay1]

If it was me I wouldn't even mention the silver. What's the point of that?

[sandyRoe]

The point of mentioning the silver was to give a gentle reminder that there is more to life than money.
The silver wasn't anything very special, just a couple of spoons. I think I'll keep them to eat my porridge with.

[EvianBaby]

Coccinelle - I still consider myself as part of that younger generation and I'd love to receive such a thoughtful gift. Couples often prefer money instead of gifts when they get married these days as most have already lived with each other for a good while before and so already have everything they need that would traditionally be given as a gift.