After graduating from college, I took a month off to travel around Europe. I had been setting money aside for years, so I was sure to make the most of the experience. In addition to all the interesting people I met traveling by train in France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany, I came away with a newfound appreciation for different cultures. By the end of the trip, it came time to find some souvenir gifts for my loved ones back home. At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, I was struck with some inspiration.
As a devout Catholic, my mother lights votive candles practically every week during Mass. On Sunday afternoons you can find her kneeling inside a chapel, praying for ailing friends and family members. I sought out some decorative votive candle holders to present to her upon my return. She was blown away by the gift, and I felt a profound sense of satisfaction.