Angels...........
Heather Goodman over at L'Chaim mentioned today that she had never seen an Angel.
"I've heard they're pretty scary warriors with the glory of the Lord accompanying them sometimes, which always inspires fear. Either that, or they come to tell you your pregnant. So I'm okay with not seeing them for now."
I giggled over the pregnant part of her statement.
Then I recalled the conversation I had with my sister Sandra earlier this week. This will be her first Christmas without her husband of nearly 44 years. This summer he died in her arms.
On Thursday, she was in the card aisle of the store looking for the ideal one for her two sons and daughter. Time slipped by quickly as she read the many choices. She wanted a card that conveyed something special to each of them, as she knew they would have an empty place in their heart this holiday season.
Finally! She found the one that had the perfect sentiment. The artistry gave her comfort and the words gave eloquence to the feelings she wished to share.
An agonizing pain pierced her heart when she realized that the card was from "mom and dad."
She stood, holding it close, for a long time, unable to move from the spot, her arms refusing to return the beautiful card to its slot. Her throat became constricted and tears began to tumble over her cheeks.
"Is there something I can do for you?" a soft voice penetrated her despair.
She mentally shook herself and turned to face a stranger, a woman, who was looking at her with question and concern.
'Uh..oh...OH!" Sandra responded, feeling totally exposed and raw. "I can't give this card to my children because . . . . because my husband died and . . . this is the wrong card."
The stranger's face softened with sympathy and love. She reached out and pulled my sister into her arms giving her unspoken permission to weep in the protection of her embrace. She quietly held my sister until her composure returned.
"Thank you for listening to me blubber on," was what my sister said when all was better.
"You are welcome, and I am so sorry for your loss," the stranger answered and said her goodbyes.
During her telling of this event I was feeling angry that I hadn't been there. My sister needed me and a stranger had to do my job.
”You know,” she went on, “a friend suggested that it was like meeting with an Angel.”
My sister required an Angel, and I think that is exactly what she got.
Comments
Elizabeth Joy - who finally took the time to comment, even though she reads your blog quite often
But I've always believed that God would rather use person than an angel because people CHOOSE to serve Him. So that every time we choose Him or another of His children over ourselves it's a little miracle. And He's still in the miracle business.
If that stranger who was there for your sweet sister was an angel, then, WOW, what a miracle. And if that stranger was a person used by God, then WOW, what a miracle that she took time from doing whatever she had to do for herself in her day to comfort your sister.
Yes, there are still miracles today.
And thank you so much, Pamela, for sharing this one with us!
(arrival of random Christmas caroler)
ahem
*singing*
What child is thi-is who laaays to re-est,
On Maar-y's la-ap is slee-ee-ping?
Whom aaan-gels gree-eet with aaan-thems swee-eet
While she-e-pherds waa-aatch are keeeeep-iiing?
Thiiiis, thii-iis is Chriiist the Kii-iing
Whom shee-pherds guaa-aard and aaan-gels sing!
Haaaste, haaa-aaste to briiiing him praa-aise,
The baa-aabe, the so-on of Maaaar-yyyy.
So sad for your sister and her family. So glad a stranger was able to offer solace. Incredibly inspiring..thanks Pamela.
♥Pam
And it's scary seeing your writing quoted somewhere else. My ears suddenly perked up to all those unproofed errors, like "your pregnant." Try you're pregnant, brainchild.
Thanks for sharing.
((hugs))
i wish you and all your family a peacefull holiday x
It's the spirit of the holidays... it's the spirit of human kind.
i just love your writing. it's like i'm there watching it all unfold in front of me...beautiful
www.simplydawnmarie.com
Told beautifully by you :).
I admire your sister's strength!
I know the feeling of "losing it" with strangers around... and I cherish the feeling of the well placed and timed hug!
Merrey Christmas My Friend!