The Nicest Surprise In The Mail

I wait until after 6:00pm most days

to go downstairs where all the mailboxes 

for our apartment complex

are set into the wall next to the managers office on the ground floor.

Our box is number 517.

Today, I go down the elevator 

and walk up to my mailbox

and was instantly delighted 

to find it full of mail.

There was my bi-monthly package

of razor blades.

There were the usual weekly ads,

our electric bill

and something else was in there.

It was a small priority package

and I looked 

and saw it was addressed to me.

I was further delighted to see 

that it was from a good friend of mine

from Indiana.

I walked into the front lobby 

and settle into one 

of the four comfortably stylish seats

and opened this package.

I smiled as the first thing I saw

was a music CD

and I love these CD's from my friend.

And then there was a little frame

with a picture of Terry & I in it 

from our 21st anniversary.

And a sweet card with a letter

in her wonderful handwriting.

Dear friend, thank you 

for this surprise.

I think God knew I needed 

an extra touch of His love today.

And it was an extra special touch

because it came from you.

I know that no one can hear this enough.

I appreciate your friendship.

You have been there like a tree.

I had a tree in the front yard 

of our home in Elkhart.

It was there every morning

through the hot summer,

shading our yard from the sun.

It was there in the fall

as the cold nights turned the leaves

into beautiful shades of orange,

yellow and red.

It was there through the winter

when the ice and snow 

covered everything.

And every spring.

That tree, simply because 

it never moved

was such a comfort to me.

I would often sit and gaze

or one could find me sitting under it.

I miss that tree.

And I miss you too dear friend.

Thank you.

Our family loves 

and appreciates you.

I think I'll hug you extra tight

next time I see you.

And hopefully, you will get to come

to see me here in Florida

for your very 1st time someday!

You will love the beaches

and unique historical places here.