Wednesday Wonder

Brother Dominic had a busy schedule at the monastery. He was often responsible for administrative details, and in addition to those, also shared in common life with the others. One of the enduring companions of Dominic was the monastery cat, Socks, who often sat on his desk as he worked. Socks was very good at being a cat, his particular vocation in life. He thought deep cat thoughts, purred and spent time studying the face of Dominic and all his various expressions, depending on the task at hand.

One day Socks did not report to his usual position on the desk and Dominic became worried. What if Socks had walked off the grounds and was eaten by a hungry coyote? Or stolen by someone riding in one of the rare vehicles that passed their way? Dominic was all concern.

But then someone said that Socks the cat had just died in his sleep, the most peaceful outcome to a peaceful life. Dominic missed Socks, but he was relieved that something terrible had not happened to him. Often when the brothers asked Dominic how he was doing he would say that he was fine, but missed Socks. And they knew that he did.

One day a letter was delivered to the monastery mail box. It was addressed to Brother Dominic. The return address just had a paw print. When Dominic opened it, he found a great surprise, a letter from Socks! That was exciting, and he began to read.

Socks began by saying how much he missed Dominic, and especially the times they shared at his desk. Things are different now, said Socks, and he just wanted Dominic to know that he was just fine and still misses him. He hoped that his work at the monastery was still pleasing to him and, by the way, keep on watch for those pesky mice that always hide behind the boxes of corn meal.

And the letter ended simply, Your Friend, Socks.

Brother Dominic never did discover who the ghost writer was behind Socks, because none of the brothers would ever tell. They kept that secret like one of their vows. But it didn’t seem to matter. Every so often you could see Dominic walking out to the mailbox and peering inside. And then at lunch he would quietly say, “I haven’t heard from Socks in a while.”

(Tim Carson, July 1, 2010)