I just received the most wonderful letter in the mail, or rather, Abram did. It was from the Pacific Whale Foundation informing Abram of a special gift donation that was set up in his name from my mom and papa Gene. In addition, they arranged for 4 little rubber whales to race in his name (rubber ducky style) in the annual Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta. If Abram's whale(s) come in first place, Jamie and I will win a trip to Maui. As the letter states: "Maui and the other islands of Hawaii are the wintertime home of the majority of the humpback whales of the North Pacific. The whales come to Maui each year to mate, give birth and care for their young. Around 7,000 to 10,000 whales are found here each winter. Pacific Whale Foundation's marine education programs help to teach schoolchildren about the need to protect these majestic 40-ton animals and their ocean habitat."
This is such a special gift.
Only my mom could nail it like that. She semi-frequents Hawaii and was heading down there a short while ago. I was talking to her about the trip and I mentioned a story I had heard on the radio about this very whale migration topic. I told her what I heard which was basically what the letter stated. "Just kind of interesting", I told her. How funny that she runs into this foundation on her trip and probably thought to herself, "josh was just talking to me about this!" Then felt compelled to donate on Abram's behalf. She will never know the depth of penetration this had into my heart. I love the ocean. It scares the living daylights out of me, but I love it. And she knows this. She also knows I love animals and cringe at the thought of losing something so majestic as the species of the humpback. Or any species for that matter. I know I sound lofty and hippie, but I don't care.
I'm thinking right now about those four little whales named Abram Dean Jones, racing in excitement through a winding, wet course. All for the benefit of a giant, gentle ocean dweller. I'm thinking about the bursting smile on Abram's face as he anticipates the race, knowing he can win. Right now, my heart is warm...
4 comments:
Josh, you have such a way with words. This gave me the chills just imagining Abram smiling about the duckies racing for him! i love it. thanks...
I just love your Mom, Josh! She's so thoughtful in the ways it matters most. That is such a special gift that she knew you would hold close to your heart. What day is the race so we can send happy thoughts to your 4 little Abe Whales?
go ABE go!!!!
Those kinds of gifts do mean a lot. When Linden died, we stated in the obituary to donate in Linden's honor to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The only person that did that was Jamie. I even put the brochure in his scrapbook, telling me of her generous gift. That meant the world to me, and Jamie still means the world to me, as do you! I am glad your mom did such a wonderful thing for you. It will be something you will forever treasure!
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