Calling All Angels…
Angels are real…and I’m not just saying that because I’m doing the grief thing. I say this to give you hope…even if you don’t think you need any right now.
Saturday…In the Park.
I was trying very hard to write something profound on Saturday afternoon. It was such a great and pretty day on the outside…so I went to my favorite park…a place I visit when I’m at the end of my rope.
Pages of crap really…that’s what I was putting down in my notebook. The harder I tried to deliver a lesson the worse it sounded. You know that feeling right? When you’re forcing something? That’s all brain and no heart…and a clear sign it’s time to put down the pen. (Golfer’s know this feeling all too well. So do people trying find a date…)
So I put down my pen…used my notebook as a pillow…and did nothing but feel that park. That’s when an angel showed up.
Some Girl…
“Excuse me,” an apologetic voice said, “I hope I’m not bothering you.” I sat up and saw a lovely woman…concerned and nice…and open. “Not at all,” I said…a little embarrassed because I got busted doing the “poet under the tree” thing. She introduced herself as Krista and we were fast friends.
It turns out we crossed paths briefly after Laura’s memorial service, and she wanted to express her condolences. By now you know that I’m a pretty open guy and I welcomed the intrusion…though I feel bad calling it that because it was anything but.
We talked about death…sadness…writing…painting…jobs…and a bunch of other stuff…all in the span of about 20 minutes. Then she went back to her family and I went back home to mine…and this is starting to sound like a Dan Fogelberg song. Sorry.
The reality is that I felt a whole lot lighter after our exchange and it wasn’t until later that day that I realized why: I had a run-in with a real live angel. It was only 20 minutes…but I’ll remember it for the rest of my Thirty Seconds. That is some powerful stuff.
The Take Away…
Suspend your cynicism for just a little while and take this for what it’s worth:
Angels are everywhere…and they are real. (They may even be US…I’m not sure yet.) I’m a guy and I’m not supposed to talk this way…but if angels exist to give us hope and comfort and joy and all that other stuff…then they are sitting right under our noses. Keep doing your thing and take comfort in that. I think your days might be better if you live that way.
I don’t know if we can actually look for angels…because how can you find what is already here? If life feels forced…if you’re all brain, and no matter how hard you try it’s just not happening for you…maybe it’s time to chill and let your heart take over. That way the angels can appear and do their stuff.
What about you? Have you ever met an angel? Why not take a little breather and search your memory banks…maybe even share below if you like. Either way, something tells me your life…your Thirty Seconds…will feel a little lighter if you did.
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I totally believe in angels even if they’re not in “human” form if that makes sense. But there are times when I’m so down, and the next thing I know my dog comes and sits by me-almost immediately I start to cry because it was as if they knew and came to me in my time of need.
I also believe in signs. Signs again can appear in any form, in any way if you’re open to them. Like when I’m driving home and am really down and all of a sudden I see a deer or a beautiful sunset, something that makes me stop and realize that my problems really aren’t that big when I’m surrounded by such beauty. One of the most memorable signs for me whether it be from God or an angel was when I was probably at one of the lowest points in my life. And I asked God for a sign because I no longer knew what to do….all of a sudden Patience by Guns and Roses came on. WHO would have thought that a sign could appear to me through Axle Rose. Still today when I hear that song I get all choked up. Sometimes all we need is a little patience…
OK…that is very cool, Ann. Thanks for being brave here…and sharing. I don’t know…life sure is nuts…isn’t it? BTW: one of the reasons I decided to write about angels is because I was listening to The Rolling Stones, Exile on Mainstreet…and there are many references to angels. I figure if Mick can do it…why the hell not me?
Good music…maybe the direct connection staring us in the face. Here’s a link to your song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYzraMwM8n0
A
Thanks bud….it made me cry as always. It’s weird because I think even now I needed to hear that so it was a good time. See you were my angel tonight! I’ll have to check out the Stones song.
Hi Andy!
What a beatiful experience you had at the park! Thanks for sharing it with us.
I’ve been blessed by the touch of many angels in my (short) life. So I truly belive they are around us at all times… some are visible, some are not, but if you stay still and peaceful you WILL listen to their voices and message… You may even feel their touch as well. It’s certainly a beautiful thing!
Keep smiling
)
Evelyn
Still and peaceful…tough to do…for me at least. Thanks, Evelyn. (I’ll keep smiling. Someone I’ve known for many years says that every time we sign off. He’s in his late ’80’s now…I think he might be one too!)
A
Oh Andy, indeed staying “still and peaceful” is tough, but yet not impossible…
I’m hyperactive by nature! So I look for places, people, animals, objects that would bring some peace and stillness to my life when I need it (which is quite often lately).
You have that park that you described in your story and you were touched by an angel…
So Keep smiling as your dear friend says!
Journeyed to Fond du Lac to visit an old friend from highschool. One that stays on my heart but I never get the time to visit her. I spoke with her of all my new experiences with my new job…& Andy was one. I shared the whole falling into his presence encounter at the park & how I really met him through my job. That was the night of family & friends gathering for support to him & his children for losing his Love. She will always be his love & should be. I know without thought the gift lies in his children she left behind & remains in them…completely, fully, divinely, absolutely. I am forever grateful & treasure my being there & our divine appointment. Listen, follow your heart! Stop existing…start living, & breath.!.. We all have these opprotunities…people are real, the here & now is real…we all need healing! I think of Mother Theresa in her saying “we are chosen, we are here to be His Hands & His feet.” However that comes across to you! It beckons us & will not stop, we might not be paying attention, the nudge will come again. We heal by loving. Love the one you don’t know, the one you pass, the one who does not understand you, the one in the park,..everyone has this amazing ability to draw into relationship. From one angel to another. Truly, you were also a gift to me. Do return… ~Christa
Christa…hey! (Sorry I haven’t fixed the spelling of your name yet…gotta’ leave it now…) What can I say? I’m glad you had a chance to read this…”divine appointment”…maybe that’s true…don’t know.
“Stop existing…start living…” that’s all I’m really saying. Not sure why we all do that…just exist…wait for something better…or let stuff happen to us because we’re on a path we’re too scared to get off.
I’m going to go live right now…with my son. I’m sad…and all that other grieving stuff…but I’m not going to let it kill this day.
Thanks for the response. I’ll see you again…no doubt…
Best,
AK
Yes, Andy, angels do exist. But only if we are open to them and listen very carefully. They subtly guide us, though many times we overlook them. Their voices can be heard in what we, not so eloquently, refer to as “gut instincts”. They are there to save us from painful regret. My particular mission was to deliver a simple hug to a fearful heart. The gift came back to me as a chance to say good bye, I love you. The day my new angel received her wings, I knew without being told. I felt the lightness you spoke of along with a special presence in the sunshine and in the wind. My new angel was excited about her new role and not so subtle. My next mission — to console the one who lost her. And I believe to return distraught hearts safely home. I’ve recently had a hard time hearing my angel, but I think it’s because she’s very, very busy.
Wow…you’re a good writer, Susie. I think she’s very, very busy too. They all must be up there. We need help down here…
I’m glad you were able to experience that. How great…
A
Andy, I do believe Angels exist …..thank you for sharing and for inspiring !
And thank YOU for reading and commenting! This is one of my favorite posts. (Not very modest to say…but it’s true…)
Take care…
Andy,
I like your writing and musing… but i hold special esteem for your taking the time to truly connect with people – as in these comments. Angels can be anywhere.. right?
Stacey
Hey Stacey!
Well thanks for those nice words…and yes…angels can be anywhere. I believe it…even if it does sound a little strange coming from someone like me. As far as answering the comments…I love it! I love the fact that someone would take the time to read my stuff much less write a response. It’s helped me through some awfully sad and dark moments…so I owe it to you.
Be good and I’ll talk to you again!