Sock Monkey

Joining Winter in the upper echelon of stuffed animals is now the sock monkey, who Madison has had all this time - and yet now suddenly appreciates.  Mommy has to take care of Sock Monkey when Madison is gone to school, but the rest of the time, Sock Monkey is with Madison either seated on the couch or upstairs in the bed with her.

Mommy has had sock monkeys for a while - there's actually a sock monkey ornament on the Christmas tree each year.  She also has sock monkey pajamas, which Daddy picked up a while ago.  Nearly everyone loves sock monkeys - Madison may have been inspired by our recent visit to the zoo.

Daddy had to go to work today, as well as visit his friends (and an ailing mother), so it was a day away from the house.  But there was piano practice for Madison, and drawing as well.  Also, some learning on the Kindle and the school's website.

But throughout it all, she had alongside her a new friend, her sock monkey.

     It doesn’t take much to create a Sock Monkey.  In 1932, right in the middle of the Great Depression, these fun stuffed animals began brightening little faces all over Europe and America. 

     Even today, web pages across the internet are dedicated to the creation and travels of Sock Monkeys all over the world.  A Sock Monkey Madness Festival takes place once a year in Illinois, and there’s even a special ministry in Alabama that focuses on bringing a smile to those in need all across the globe, one monkey at a time. 

     The lasting endearing qualities of the Sock Monkey prove to us that it doesn’t take money or technology to bring a bit of joy to the heart.  All it takes is a little thought, a little time, and a little love.