Firstly I have to proffer my most heartfelt apology. At the time of receiving my most awesome gift I was suffering one of the most virulent strains of man flu known to, well, man.

One thing followed another, and due to what is the most embarrassingly embarrassing cases of being ill, being busy at work, real life distractions and a ridiculous dose of sheer laziness I committed what could possibly be the biggest crime of this decade, nay century.

I neglected to post the fact that that I'd received this gift.

My secret Santa, had not only taken the time to work hard crafting their personal gift to me, they had enlisted the help of their wife as well.

Did you hear that, two people put their hard work, blood, sweat and tears into making something designed to push me into the abyss of horror and then pull me gently back and bathe me with the soft, glowing, fuzzy feeling that others out there would take the time to do this one simple act just for me.

What did I do? I trampled on their dreams, I gave them periods of self doubt that perhaps they had offended me, I made them think that the act that they had painstakingly undertaken was of little value.

For that, the only thing I can do is apologize, apologize so hard, apologize as hard as I can and then apologize some more.

Let me tell you this. I've had this book sat on my shelf for nearly a year now. I walk past it and when my glance falls upon it a smile comes to me. I occasionally take it down from its pride of place, lovingly open it and caress the crocheted art piece concealed within. On special occasions, the bee travels with me kept safe within a snug pocket within my jacket. I do draw the line however at worshipping it, that of course would be offensive ;)

I only hope that my Secret Santa can accept my apology and know that this gift is one of the greatest that I have ever received.

Sorry.

Truly, truly I am.

Keep on supporting the bees.

Make sure your wife keeps on crocheting.