I have
Gifted a Giving Key
With the word
GRACE
My Story
I was leaving for a getaway for the first time in 11 years with my, new graduate from nursing school, and husband when at the last minute I threw in my giving key necklace I had had for four years.
We had multiple arrangements set up to reconnect with dear friends from our past on our trip. One of the first dinner dates we had to look forward to was with one of my camp besties from 30 years ago.
We had not seen each other in 26 years, but thanks to social media we have been able to stay connected on some level. Over the last year through phone conversations and text messages, I learned of her bravery toward sobriety. I listened as she shared the stories of abandonment from ‘friends’, the strength she has gained personally, the support of others she didn’t expect it from, and the list goes on.
I racked my brain for weeks and even messaged a few people on IG that I follow who have gone through similar addictions and now have a platform on being sober for ideas on what to gift her with zero luck. I had always known I would KNOW when the time would be right to relinquish and pass on my key.
It was like a wave of emotion overtaking me when I felt the Holy Spirit saying this is your time... my husband and I were driving towards their home and as tears filled my eyes, I knew it was time. After a few hours of visiting and catching up I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes and as I removed my key from around my neck I said, ‘It’s time I pass this onto you. GRACE.
Please give it to yourself and extend it to those who have not extended it to you over the last year.’ The picture of us is on her one year of sobriety. She has her key on a chain now with St. Frances and it warms my heart to know she treasures the gift. Her friendship has been a gift to me for 30 years... *I want to add that when I received my key as a Christmas gift I always thought I would be led to give it to a stranger.
Boy, was I off-key’.❤️
Abi’
