Monica’s Gift

We received a “surprise” in the mail the other day. A package came with my name on the envelope! (I still LOVE ‘snail-mail’!) 

I opened it. Inside were 5 heart ornaments — each one with a family member’s name hand-stitched with yarn. No letter or card — yet, the message rang loud and clear!

A friend of mine from high school. Someone I’ve not seen in over 25 years. We never had sleepovers. We never went together on any McDonalds runs. We shared very few classes. But I remember Monica — sweet Monica. She was in my (then called) “Home Economics” class. We baked. Sewed. Learned to parent an “egg” who we named and carried around with us for a week or so — trying NOT to drop!

Monica and I were friends. And over the years since graduation, we’ve kept in contact. A letter now and then… a birthday or Christmas card.   Still…

No phone conversations.

No face-to-face visits.

Not even Facebook.

Monica struggled in school and attended classes for the learning disabled. She was, to my recollection, always kind. Always childlike, even as an upper classman. Her letters over the years have always relayed the same information – her favorite country radio station… her phone number… her address. In simple print, she always tells me…

“You’re my friend.”

But I can tell you, honestly — Monica’s been a better friend to ME all these years… faithful to write. To wish me a “Happy Birthday.” To send me that “Merry Christmas” greeting.

I’ve been sporadic, at best. Always with good intentions, I’d set her latest letter on my desk, intending to write. Then life would get busy. The letter, more often than not, forgotten.

Monica’s never met my children. Not one of them. And although I’m sure I’ve mentioned them by name in my annual (though not yet this year!) “update” letter, I’m not certain — beyond that — how she would even know of them.

Still, she took the time to hand-stitch “Ian” and “Jacob” and “Allie” — and yes, even “Bill” and “Maureen” on little hearts. She made the trip to the post office to package these up and send them to me. She made the effort to go a very special “extra mile” to let me know she was thinking of me… of us. And not just in a general sense… but BY NAME!

Our names are a very special thing. Monica knows that. They hold meaning. They are automatically tied to our memory. Many times, we know the names of our children even before they’re born, and the names of our loved ones who have passed remain on our lips and in our hearts and minds forever.

The name “Monica” means “to advise; offer counsel” — and this seems fitting. For even in her always simple ways — through her letters and cards, and now, through this thoughtfully sent gift — she has reminded me… ‘counseled’ me even.

“KINDNESS MATTERS.”

Simple words from a simple girl.

Monica, thank you for the reminder. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for calling each of my beloved family members BY NAME.

I am going to write to her and send her the lyrics to a lullaby that I sang to Allie just last night — one I’ve sang to all of my children over the years.

“Angels fly above you
They know I adore you so
I watch you dreaming now
And I wonder if you know…

CHORUS
Before I knew your name
Before I saw your eyes
Your chin and your nose
Before I counted your fingers and toes
I asked Heaven for someone wonderful as you
And every prayer and wish came true
I dreamed of you before I knew your name

I am thankful for you
You know I adore you so
I watch you dreaming now
And I wonder if you know…”
~~By Joel Lindsey~~

Today, Monica, I wonder if you know how much you mean to me. I am remembering YOU — by name — and am thanking God for you, my sweet and faithful friend! He loves you beyond measure.

“But now, [Monica], listen to the LORD who created you… the One who formed you says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine’…” (Is. 43:1)