Saturday, December 5, 2009

Natalie

Adrian Monk is a memorable character. He is a man most find to be intolerable because of his countless quirks, phobias and idiosyncrasies. He suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which can be excruciatingly frustrating.

But Mr. Monk has a special assistant, Natalie. At first, Natalie thought he was odd and strange and sometimes unbearable. She wondered if she could trust the man who suffered from hundreds of phobias. She wondered if he was dependable.

But Natalie has a good heart. She was able to look past the quirks, phobias and idiosyncrasies and understand Mr. Monk is a brilliant, sensitive man who is able to authoritatively function beneath the façade of phobias.

Natalie is also a memorable character. Mr. Monk is able to function with Natalie’s steady guidance. She is patient and kind, understanding and companionate, intelligent and independent, protective and assuring. She has an inner strength that compensates for Mr. Monk’s inner fears.

I admire Natalie because she reminds me of someone special in my life. She also has a good heart. She is patient and kind, understanding and companionate, intelligent and independent, protective and assuring. She has integrity and an inner strength I admire. I seek her opinions because I trust her judgment.

I do not possess the quirks, phobias and idiosyncrasies Mr. Monk is burdened with, even though my Natalie has on occasion said I am crazy, and I should be committed to an institution. There is some merit to her observation, but she says it with affection and humor, not with malice and we are able to laugh at that statement.

But there were times when I was unbearable and irritating and most people would have walked away, but my Natalie was patient because she understood that aspect of my personality, like bad thunderstorms, would pass.

My Natalie finds in me qualities that make up for the obstinate aspects of my behavior and she believes in our friendship.

It may have taken Mr. Monk some time to fully appreciate Natalie, but I immediately realized how important my Natalie is to me not long after I met her.

In contrast with Mr. Monk, I am able to function, but I cannot imagine my life without her. She is indispensable. Everyone should have a Natalie in their lives. I thank God I have a Natalie in my life.