Writing while listening to music is essential for this editor.

On any typical Sunday afternoon and evening, one will find me over my keyboard, laying out my thoughts on a column or story that I’m writing.

Blaring in my ears is usually music from Spotify or Pandora, or even a podcast that I can have on in the background.

Since Sunday was Christmas Day, Monday became my Sunday, essentially.

Once I got settled at my desk and in a direction to write my weekly column, I’m glad U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” came on Pandora.

Over the weekend, I received one of the best gifts.

Before we go any further, I must take you back to a column I wrote over the summer when a certain man lost a certain knife.

Well, that man was me and ever since, I’ve been thinking about getting a pocket knife.

As of today, I don’t have to get a new pocket knife.

My father gave me my grandfather’s Case knife. My grandfather — on my mom’s side — owned Alabama Oak Flooring Co. in Guin for many, many years during its prime.

If I am correct, he carried this little two-bladed knife around with him wherever he went.

As my mom said Sunday, “you’ll be slicing apples and cheese in no time.”

To be honest, it was hard to keep from breaking down during that moment when dad gave me the knife.

It was as if a warm blanket was put over my shoulders, giving me an overwhelming sense of comfort.

I made sure the knife was put somewhere I knew I wouldn’t forget it.

There have been several gifts that have meant a lot to me, but this one takes the cake.

This knife will be with me for the rest of my days, until I pass it on to someone else as it was to me.