Cousin John’s ease at authenticity made him so precious and rare. Seeded in my depth are the roots of his support and encouragement regularly delivered across the miles with expressive cards, handwritten notes, poems and quotations that we equally shared in the enjoyment of exchange. Ever since we reunited at our 2008 Family Reunion in the state of Virginia, he had remained a faithful comrade in prayer, companion devotee throughout the aloneness of the covid plandemic. Confidante who understood the complexities of living in a distorted world while earnestly striving to ‘do good’ by his living a grace-filled example withstanding manifested circumstances. The depth of his footprints are engraved upon the lives of so, so many diverse persons that my heart swells with pride that we are in agreement about this man among men called John. He was soft and he was strong. He exemplified Matthew 12:20 (KJV) “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench…” would cross my mind most often while he conversed touching me. Never ever boastful and always considering the going-ons in my life above my curiosity about his. I knew of his accolade decorations but he wouldn’t ever wear them. He simply hung them in humble acceptance. Very caring with his tenderness or fierceness as necessary to apply; a very private human who’s (ultimate) fragility would not rob his lifelong character of courageousness. He must have touched the hem of the garment of Christ_for he lived to bring forth the brightness of God’s glory__enduringly! A true conqueror who continued faithfully until war’s trumpet blew no more. Miss seeing the familiar handwriting posted in my mailbox, ever since.   Bowed.

Thankful that I should be DNA-woven with a portion of this man’s blessed-filled, unswerving uniqueness.

LOVE

(1st) Cousin ria

I'll never forget Mr. Monroe, even though I never had a class with him. He knew my name. He was always a kind and caring gentleman, that every student in Forest Glen admired in one form or another. I remember  walking the halls with friends before, in-between and after classes. Many times you'd see Mr. Monroe monitoring the halls, while we all did so, with a huge smile on his face. He had a greeting for each and every "young man" or  "young lady" that spoke, waved or looked in his direction. I treasure those memories of seeing him there and later in other places as an  adult. 

I'll never forget, one particular day he saw I wasn't really myself, that I was walking alone and he noticed I was looking down in the dumps. He called me over to speak with him.  I'll not go into detail though I can remember his words just as clear as if he said them to me just now. His advice and his wisdom changed my outlook on the situation and brought a sense of comfort and calmness that I so desperately needed at the time. The lesson I learned that day was... Mr. Monroe absolutely cared about all the students at Forest Glen, whether you were one of his students or not. He was genuinely kind, perceptive, intuitive, truthful, caring, wise and a man of God, thats for sure. There will never be another Mr. Monroe. He was always a great influence upon many of us and he will always be a true blessing and treasure to all of us. Especially to those of us who respected, adored, and learned many lessons from him, and I don't mean just the academic ones. I've always carried his life lesson of that day in my heart and forever will. 

 RIP Mr. John Monroe and show those golden angel wings as you fly high in the Mighty Kingdom of God. You certainly have hid them long enough on Earth. 

I  respectfully send my condolences to each and every one of you, especially Mr. John Monroe's family, friends, colleagues, and my fellow classmates. 

May God give each of us strength,  comfort and the ability  to give the world at least a little lesson of what it means to be gracious, kind and respectful to others as Mr. Monroe taught us all to be. Amen