By Kemara

I wrote this short story in response to Monica's revelation scene in the sixth season episode "Life Before Death".

I’ll never forget that day.

The first “day”, as humans reckon them, that I ever knew. The Father called me to Him and said He had work for me on earth, and now was the time to begin
it. But first I had to take on a physical form so that I could interact with humans. I was a wee bit nervous but He promised He would be right there with me.

The first thing I felt was the sun shining warm on my face. I opened my eyes.  We sat together on top of the greenest hill I’d ever seen. Mists rolled up from the valley below to meet the blue sky. I’d never imagined anything more beautiful in all Creation.

“This is Ireland, Monica.” He told me, watching my reaction.

“Ireland”. The first word I ever spoke in human form. Even my voice sounded like that of the Irish people.

“The entire earth and it’s people are very precious to me,” He continued.  “But the Irish have a special place in my heart. I have given you that love as well. One day you will go among them as my messenger. In time....For now...” He smiled and took my hands. “Let’s try out your new legs, my daughter.”

Standing, He pulled me gently to my feet. I swayed for a moment, getting my balance, the feel of it. Then, clinging tightly to Him, I took one step, and another. The grass was cool and damp with recent dew under my bare toes.  Soon, He let me go and I walked easily on my own. I laughed aloud for sheer joy, breathing in the sweet breeze that caressed my cheeks and lifted my long hair. I spun round and round, my arms thrown out wide.

I began to run and He was there with me. We raced down the hill into the valley, but I tired quickly since my new form wasn’t used to exercise yet.

“It will get easier,” He assured me as we sat down by a rocky stream.

“It’s so peaceful here, Father. So lovely.” I smiled, listening to the water bubble over the stones.

His face saddened and a tear ran down His cheek. “Yes, it is. But you will soon learn that it is anything but peaceful.”

He was right. I watched over the centuries as that tiny island was torn apart by violence, by the worst humans can do to one another. I cried as they murdered one another supposedly in the name of religion. I saw children grow up who knew nothing but war and killing. And I prayed so hard for all of them.

I did the work the Father gave me, first in Search and Rescue and then as a Caseworker. During those years I returned to Ireland many times....to protect a child from being shot in a gun battle, or to help the injured after a bombing.  But it wasn’t until the early 21st century, 8000 years after had my first sight of Ireland, that I had my chance. I asked Him to send me; I begged Him.

“You gave me such a love for the Irish. Please let me help them!” He studied me for a long moment. Once again we sat on that same emerald hill in the light of a setting sun.

“Yes,” He nodded. “I think you’re ready, Monica. I will send you as my messenger to the people of Ireland. You will teach them of my love for all of them, Catholic and Protestant. Now is the time for the bloodshed to stop so that peace can begin.”

I knelt before Him in thanks and worship. He raised me up and kissed my forehead. “Go now. There’s no time to waste.” I took one last look into the misty valley below and set off on my new assignment.

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