Virginia's Question
By Mona Lease

Hi, all!! For you faithful readers (thanks, again!); you'll remember me introducing Virginia to you. For you new readers - Virginia was really sick when I first met her. She is much better now - she has a few more hurdles to clear. She has this uncanny way of appearing when I least expect her. Her visits are always most welcome - public or private. This last one was public.

As we walked and talked in a local store, she touched my arm to slow me. A couple of people ahead of us were talking about a small group of people walking ahead of them. The group ahead wore long, dark dresses. After awhile Virginia steered me away from the two groups. Then she asked me - "Did you hear their conversation?" "Well, yes I did. You pointed it out to me, remember?" - was my response. After some prompting, I understood what she was trying to say.

You see - the two people talking about the long dressed group thought they knew "the rules" governing them. Because of that; the fact that one of the long dressed group had gotten into trouble was some sort of newsworthy sensation. But, Virginia showed me it went much deeper than that.

Exactly where did the idea originate that they were perfect? Had I ever had one of their members tell me they were perfect? No, I had not. Had one of them ever handed me literature about them to read? No, they had not. I thought and thought. Virginia waited patiently for me to form some sort of an answer...as is her style. Then - it hit me. Someone told me these things. And, I believed them. And - probably someone told them and they believed those people. And backward that part of it would go. Meanwhile - I tell someone and forward a sort of "chain" goes. I never really thought about it.

I never really thought of them as people subject to the same desires as I - you know - perfect skin and teeth. I'm not sure I thought much of anything. I just blindly believed what I had been told. Maybe I thought that somehow they walked through this world exempt from the desire of a shopping spree, new home, etc. You know - all the "stuff that determines" whether we have "made it in this life." "See what happens when you just blindly believe this stuff?" - was Virginia's last question. After a sideways hug from her that said I was not the only one who had believed, and a kiss on my cheek - she was gone.

And - that's Virginia....always something to ponder. And, even though I feel really dumb, she has a way of making it all seem possible to correct.

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles@! MONA