Dear person who sent me an unsigned Valentine’s Day card,
Did you expect I’d be feeling a bit down on Valentine’s Day? I was in one of those low moods that I can’t put a finger on when I found your card in the mailbox. I don’t remember the last time I got a Valentine’s Day card in the US mail. My late mother used to send them, but that was years ago, before her mental decline.
It is the first origami card I’ve received. It was fun to see snippets of different messages with each unfolding. Delightful to find when it was completely opened a square of Ghardelli chocolate, which I enjoyed right away.
You even timed the mailing to arrive on Valentine’s Day! How did you pull that off? My sister’s birthday card, which I thought I’d dropped in a mailbox well ahead of time, arrived five days late.
You chose a card with messages about friendship, especially long friendship. That makes me wonder whether we are old friends, but if so, it’s curious that you want to be anonymous. The printing on the envelope suggests that someone was trying to disguise his or her handwriting; at any rate, it doesn’t look familiar. I don’t know anyone in Carol Stream, where it was postmarked, but you may live somewhere else.
Enough with guessing — I’m not keen to find out who you are, and I doubt you intended to create suspicion. I like knowing that there’s a thoughtful person somewhere in my world who doesn’t care to be applauded for a good deed. People usually want to be acknowledged for doing a kindness. You’re not looking for anything from me. Giving just to give, not expecting even a thank you in return, is uncommon.
Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday coincided this year. The gospel reading at the Ash Wednesday service was from Matthew — the one about doing good deeds in secret instead of being like the hypocrites who want attention and praise. Hearing that passage right after opening your card was a perfect coincidence, and of course you were on my mind as I listened.
If you’re a reader of this blog, know that it’s okay with me that you remain secret.
What nice Valentine's surprise
ReplyDeleteYes, it was.
DeleteOops. I didn't mean to comment as Anonymous.
DeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing my gladness.
DeleteWhat a beautiful thing. I love when something (like the Gospel that day) coincides specifically with something else that was experienced that same day. A magical alignment producing a quiet but impactful exclamation point within. A moment of clarity in life that cuts through all the distraction of the outside world. An affirmation of what really matters.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Ken. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWhat a charming surprise.
ReplyDeleteThe kind of charming, thoughtful thing you would do, Molly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift you received and to be in line with that days gospel-now that is divine intervention!! There are so many good people in this world. Happy Valentine’s Day (belated).
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be reminded that there are good people.
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