So I received this in the mail today. It's a letter informing me of a donation made in my father's name to the USO and a pair of patterned socks, Valentine theme no less! The people who sent them are the Stephens family. They are my friend Kelly's parents. They are the nicest family I have ever met. We've only known each other for a few short years. Kelly and I attended the same high school but we were different grades so we never hung around each other. Then one summer my dad tells me of a new girl who moved in on the street and she went to Woodbridge High School. He introduced us and we knew of each other so we started hanging out. It was easy because our two boys were attached at the hip whenever we were at my dad's house. Eventually Kelly and I became even better friends.

I had never met another girl with such a personality. Every where we went she knew people. It didn't matter their age or sex, she knew everyone. If she didn't know someone she got to know them. She always offers herself to people and always they instantly like her. It was not something I was used to. I am generally quite shy. Alot of people might not know that about me but it's true. If you see a different side to me it's due to knowing Kelly. She makes me want to step outside of myself and be a more giving person. More giving of myself. Sometimes I have moments where I'm lost on what to say to someone and revert to my old ways by not speaking but most times I am reminded of her and I step outside my comfort zone because to be around Kelly was refreshing. She always has the right words, the right attitude, you can tell she truely cares of the person she is talking too. It wasn't until I got to know her even better that I realized she had doubts about herself. She has so much to offer this world-I wish she knew it! As women I think we all have that in us. I know one day she will out grow this and find her place and there will be no stopping her from achieving her dreams! She is a great mother as well-can be hard to do when you have three but she does it.

Back to her parents, Mike and Linda. They are the nicest people you could ever meet. They are genuine. They give so much of themselves to others. Linda reminds me of my mother. That was my first impression of her. Anyone who knew my mother would tell you she loved her grandchildren. She was the best grandmother and mother you could ever meet. Linda is that. She is so into her grandchildren, her children, her neighbors, her community, her family, her friends, her children's friends. Mike he is the most giving man I've ever met. There is nothing he would like to do more other than make things easier for you. If there is a way he could do that he would. They truely enjoy the giving of themselves. Kelly has learned from there example and I've benefited from it. Have you ever met a family where you just knew you were better for it? They have the best family. I am so thankful for the gift they gave me today but also for knowing them. It has made my life better. Thank you Stephens and McNultys!

I have to add that when I graduated from college last year Ms. Linda sent me a basket full of patterned socks. It doesn't get any better than that! Just so you really grasp how much Kelly gave of herself to me...she completely cleaned out my father's room after he passed and was privy to all kinds of stuff like naked pictures of my parents! It was not an easy task and I will never forget it.