Sonya was born in 1984 in a nursery far, far away. I don’t know the exact date of her arrival into this world as her birth certificate (emblazoned on her backside) wore off many years ago. Her mother must have endured a very difficult delivery as at least 300 other siblings were produced that day.

Sadly, Sonya has probably never been in touch with any of her sisters and brothers. It is possible, however, that she did meet up with one or two of them, a few years ago, when it was necessary for her to be temporarily incarcerated in a clinic. I did receive her doctor’s report, but it only referred to Sonya’s illness and cure. There was no reference to her having bonded with any family members.

Well, I don’t know what happened to Sonya’s relatives, but do fondly recall the day I met her.

In the late fall of 1984, I visited a local television adoption center and began searching for a new friend. Suddenly, I heard the sweet tones of a lovely voice beckoning me closer. I turned my head and viewed a sight that brought tears to my eyes. In front of me was a beautiful lady proudly showing a scene from an exquisite travelogue.

As the vista of profound majesty was being presented to me, I heard the dulcet whisperings of a mystical voice chiming, “take me, oh fine lad, take me home with you. I am Sonya MacSony and will be yours for the asking.” As I gazed in wonder at her brilliant hues and magnificent carriage, I answered, “yes, yes, my dear. You are mine and I shall care for you forever.”

That day, Sonya and I began a relationship that would be more rewarding, personal and yes, entertaining than I could have imagined possible at the time.

When we arrived home, I connected her permanent umbilical cord to a source of power and it was then that Sonya spoke the words that told me how truly she cared for me. “Take my hand, Gary, and whenever you wish to view all the splendid gifts I can offer, touch my fingertips and I’ll take you on a magical journey. You won’t have to get out of your chair for me to respond to you. Just relax, hold my hand and caress it. I’ll take you wherever you wish to go.”

Throughout the days and years to come, Sonya kept her promise. In fact, the only time I had to approach her is when she asked me to clean her beautiful face and body. Whenever I felt lonely, dejected and upset about anything in particular, I simply had to reach out and hold my dear lady’s hand. As I gently touched her fingertips, she’d raise my spirits by carrying me on an entertaining ride of laughter and joy.

Oh, some of the journeys were sad as well. From time to time, I honestly believed that Sonya shed delicate tears as she showed me scenes of despair and tragedy. She almost seemed to shudder when natural disasters, crimes by ruthless people and other horrific events were filling my senses with dread and shock.

Sonya knew it was important for me to understand that life is a palette of Technicolor hues. While vibrant tones of crimson, lush offerings of Kelly green, soft turquoise pleasures of the eye and bright rays of sunshine yellow are always with us, a plethora of disturbing dark shades of colors lurk in the denizens of our lives as well.

From time to time, Sonya would remain silent in her sleep as I entertained friends in other rooms of my home. After they’d departed for the evening, I’d return to my lovely lady and welcome her back from her dreams. She always responded with a warmth that was charming, invigorating and so very dependable. I’d reach out and touch one of the precious fingers of her hand and instantly she’d present a moving depiction of what had transpired in the world since I’d left her.

Of course Ted Turner thought he was responsible for informing me as to what had happened over the past few hours, but Sonya and I knew better. She was my eyes and ears to the world.

One day, I decided to introduce Sonya to a new friend. Her name was Vanessa VCR and I believed that the two would get along very well. Sonya, however, was very displeased that I had chosen to, or so she thought, displace her in my heart.

As I went about the task of making the formal introductions, Sonya reacted by refusing to welcome the new addition to my family. Until I thoroughly consulted Sonya’s book of life as to how to ease her into the new relationship, she simply stared ahead and would not cooperate with Vanessa.

Eventually I managed to soothe Sonya’s spirits, but by then Vanessa was showing signs of great displeasure regarding what had taken place. I could tell she was angry just by looking into her blinking eye. For the longest while, it kept flashing a bloodshot 12:00. I began to wonder if this was her way of informing me as to the hour when she would finally decide to get along with Sonya. In time, however, I negotiated peace between my two ladies and all was well.

Over the next few years, Sonya and Vanessa bonded in a manner that was extraordinarily close. They lived in perfect harmony and always complimented each other. Sonya would proudly display, in vibrant picture and sound, the conversations that passed between the two. When Vanessa had completed her mission, Sonya would bid her friend a cheery good night and then offer her own array of stunning visions. It was a bonding of two sisters and I was the recipient of their charms.

Sonya and Vanessa made a road trip with me in 1988. I was transferred to the city of Toronto, Canada in order to work on a short-term contract. While the move failed to upset Vanessa, Sonya suffered greatly. Upon our arrival in Toronto, I noted that Sonya was displaying a sickly shade of green and her usual lush bounties of dazzling color were terribly faded.

Time seemed to pass in an agonizingly slow manner as a local doctor examined Sonya. He poked and prodded her with all sorts of instruments. Sonya, being quite the lady, wasn’t at all pleased with the invasion of her privacy, but knew that she was quite ill and must be cured. She wasn’t about to leave Vanessa and I to try and carry on without her.

Finally, after a lengthy period of time, the doctor announced that Sonya would indeed make a full recovery and she’d once again be a picture of health and beauty. I vividly recall the party that Sonya, Vanessa and I enjoyed that night! It carried on well into the wee awakenings of the ‘morn.

A few months later, we moved back to The United States and Sonya, Vanessa and I continued to revel in our wonderful relationship. For the next 9 years, we shared the most interesting, enjoyable and treasured of times. Of course, Sonya still presented me, from time to time, with disturbing images, but that is life and we all accepted the good with the bad.

These days, I think back to the countless showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” that Sonya and I sat through. I also recall the magnificent exhibitions of dedicated Olympic athletes that I’ve been privileged to view during those times when Sonya conveyed them to me. I remember the tears forming in the corners of my eyes when Vanessa and Sonya bonded in a sisterhood of unparalleled tenderness and offered a showing of “Sleepless in Seattle” to me.

I smile when thinking of the many, many times they’ve combined to present “Brigadoon” to my heart and soul. Over the years, we’ve watched this remarkable movie together on at least 40 occasions. I’ve often thought that “Brigadoon” is also Sonya’s favorite film. She’s always seemed to be at her very best when this gem is playing. Perhaps this is why Sonya has a Scottish family name.

Yes, there have been so many exquisite moments shared between the three of us. Those days, however, will never be relived. You see, Sonya is enduring the late winter hours of her life and will soon leave Vanessa and I.

My dear friend is perhaps a few weeks away from the end of her time. Soon, there won’t be anymore happy excursions into the land of discovery, new entertainment and even reruns. Sonya is desperately ill and no doctor can save her. Oh, she continues to try and present a brave and somewhat colorful face, but has almost succumbed to the etchings of doom festering within her.

One day in the near future, I’ll hold Sonya’s hand, caress her fingertips and wait for her to awaken, but she won’t greet me. She will remain silent and still. Vanessa will sense that her friend has departed and will shed a tear as she remembers so many delightful times with her adopted sister. It will be a very sad day.

In the end, many will think me silly for regarding Sonya as anything more than a television, but I would disagree with them. I spent many years with Sonya and she did comfort, entertain and enliven my spirits. She also, via showings of disquieting events, caused me to think about the sanctity of life and how desperately we need to protect and cherish it.

She conveyed the thrill of heroes succeeding in their missions and showed me the dignity of defeat and honor. Sonya also brought me the gift of music and the magnificence of the world’s scenery.

Throughout our years I've laughed and cried with Sonya. She has been my friend and I’ll never forget her.

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You can find more articles in the archive under Reflections on a Dream