If you’ve been following the sanctuary for any length of time, you’ve definitely heard the name Monica Best. She’s a generous donor who loves to encourage other generous donors by setting challenge pledges whenever we have a fundraising initiative. She played a large role in the expansion construction that’s happening right now. The sanctuary wouldn’t be what it is today without her support.
Of course she didn’t want the significant one-year anniversary of the arrival of Mave, Willy B, and Honey B pass without her sponsor-a-day acknowledgement and donation.
Monica has personally been through a lot these last several years and the chimpanzees and blog have provided some solace during tough times. I know many of you can identify with that.
I have been thinking a lot about the role of hope in our lives, both related to trying to help chimpanzees and getting through to the other side of difficult times, which is something we are all grappling with right now.
I found a quote that reminds me of Monica for a few reasons, and I thought it appropriate to share on this day that she has sponsored which was full of hope one year ago as the van pulled up to the sanctuary with three chimpanzees we barely knew:
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.
―
To put it mildly, not everything has gone according to plan this last year, but so much of the hope for the new lives of Willy B, Honey B, and Mave has already been realized as we have watched them play, explore, and relax in their new sanctuary home.
There are more chimpanzees at Wildlife Waystation who we must hold hope for as we collectively work to help them.
The construction crew is currently toiling away at the continued expansion so that we can welcome another group of chimpanzees to the sanctuary with Mave, Willy B, and Honey B supervising their labor that will also provide those three with more space.
Watching that scene this morning, and knowing it is possible because of Monica’s support and the support of so many of you out there, I found myself full of hope for the future, despite the current moment of unpredictability.
Happy arrival anniversary! Thank you, Monica, for sponsoring today and for inspiring hope.
This video still has me tearing up just like it did one year ago. I keep trying to imagine what was going in the minds of Willy B, Mave, and Honey B on that long journey. And now that I know each one a little better, how funny it is to see Mave, first to enter their new home, bending slightly at her knees and waist while holding on to that hot-pink fuzzy blanket peering out beyond her caging, watching in anticipation as Honey B was being prepared for her grand entrance. Oh Mave, take my breath away. And Willy B’s display seemed like a declaration — I’ve arrived! Sometimes life does not go as we plan, but it goes as it should. These three couldn’t have a better life or be more loved.
Thank you Monica. The world needs more people like you.