So, in 2017 my ex-husband reached out to me asking if I knew anything about a friend of ours we used to know in High School.

For years, I have been trying to find him. I checked all the social media channels, reached out to aquintances, surfed the web... The only piece I found was he was a Food and Beverage Director at a Golf Course in Naples.

I called and left numerous messages only to discover he no longer worked there.

Totally bummed I wondered, "how can I connect with him?" I knew the people I had talked with were only one degree away... So I got creative. I called again and said that I was putting together a High School Reunion and was looking to connect.

Flashforward, while I am getting ready for the Book Fair at the Oxford Exchange, I get a call from a number I did not recognize. Part of me wondered if I should just throw them into voicemail, the other part said, "Answer the call".

"Monica? I heard you are putting together a Highschool Reunion?!"

"Chris!" I replied. "I sure am!"

He said, that's cool!! I couldn't remember who in my grade was Monica?"

I said, "This is Monica Marks!" with excitement in his voice, he said, "WOW! I did not expect to hear from YOU!" (I was in the graduating class behind his)

I said, "the reunion is for you, me and Joe." He started to laugh. I shared with him how I had been on a hunt to track him down. He was flattered. We talked for about a half hour. Catching up on the last 28 years- cliff note style.

Fun fact: David and I started a food and beverage consultancy, DAM Brands. We help small businesses make their mark, assisting with sales and marketing.
Chris' background is in Food and Beverage also. He had been a Director for the Ritz and PGA Golf Hotels for over a decade.

God works in mysterious ways!!!

I was on the hunt for him since 2017, those who know me, know that I will not stop until I have an answer. I refused to give up!! I was determined to find him. I was tasked and I will succeed!!

I found him alright... 6 years later :) Everything is in DIVINE time. It was so "wonder"ful to catch up with an old friend and connect on so many things we have in common now. I gifted him a copy of my book and shipped him a bottle of PANDAN to try.

Weeks later I see a large box at my front door. I thought to myself, "oh no, did I accidently address the bottle to myself?" I recognized the packaging. I checked the label and it read it was from Chris. Hmm... I opened the box and inside was the most beautiful gift. I literally felt like I got a "heart hug." I had never felt that way from any gift I had ever recieved.

It was a one of a kind. Personally created just for me. He told me it took a week to make. First off, who spends time like that anymore on anyone. Most of us log onto Amazon and surf around until we can hit "send" for a gift for a friend.

Why is this so special?! Cause it was an answer to prayer. I had been hung up on this part in a project I'm working on. I had a vision of something similiar that I couldn't seem to get out of my head and onto paper. And here this comes, not only on paper, but framed and signed! Just for me! A one of a kind!

As I'm writing this blog post, it dawns on me... May 14th it was dated. May 14th is My Uncle Dave's death day. I write about him in my book and share his visit (after death). I feel this was just another gift from the otherside. "thank you!"

I had no clue that Chris was into this, (incredibly gifted artist) it was never mentioned on our call. Nor, did I express to him what project I was working on; however, God KNEW. I felt it was his way of saying, "don't give up! you're on the right path! Keep going!"

Sometimes I feel as though life is like a scavenger hunt. We are on a hunt, finding clues one at a time. Collecting different items, connecting with different people, overcoming obsticles and challenges all part of the DIVINE plan. Just like our reconnection.

He's always, RIGHT ON TIME!!