ANGELS AMONG US

Have You Seen Them?

It was around this time of  year 13 years ago that I found out that there are Angels Among Us.

My mom was dying from cancer, and I took a leave from my teaching position at Marion Technical College  to head  south and  take care of her.

There were lots of days of laughter even though she was failing fast. One time I was walking behind her on the way to the bathroom,  helping her keep her balance, when I had some morning gas.  “Oh dear,” she chuckled, “ give me a minute and I’ll get out of your  way.”  I giggled.

I had just gotten home for a short respite when they called to tell me my mom had taken a really bad fall walking herself to the bathroom so  I needed to return.   Although I have always hated flying through Atlanta, I had no choice with one-day’s notice. 

You could say I was a complete basket-case by the time I stepped onto that second flight. 

When you live in a small town named “Upper Sandusky” and it’s 50 miles SOUTH of Sandusky where the famed Cedar Park Amusement Park is located on Lake Erie, you hardly ever  tell anyone where you’re from  on the very first meeting.   We actually wear t-shirts here that say, “No, we’re NOT on the lake.”   

But there was a young man who noticed my Ohio State sweatshirt when I slumped down beside him who asked, “Where are you from in Ohio?”

I sighed and gave the usual rehearsed answer, “Oh, I’m sure you’ve never heard of it.  It’s a little town north of Columbus.”

He insisted, “Try me.  You might be surprised.”

Well, I WAS surprised when I told him and he said, “You may know my dad – Jeff Roth?”   You see, I went to high school with Jeff Roth.  And even more startling was the young man’s grandmother  -- Jeff’s mother -– was MY mom’s best friend when they both lived in Upper. 

Walker Roth, who lived in Atlanta,  had just booked his seat that morning & was on his way to meet family in Ft Myers too.  We spent the entire flight talking about his grandma  Muriel and my mom Mary  --  2 M’s,  half of the 4 M’s Bridge Club.  

The flight went really fast.  It was so comforting.

My brother hadn’t arrived  yet to pick me up when we landed, but I could see Jeff & Joy Roth waiting for their son as we walked through the terminal.   After huge hugs from both of them,  Jeff gave me his phone number in case  I ended up needing a ride.  

God knew I needed Walker Roth that day.  (Did you notice his first name?)  Today there is no doubt in my mind  -- that Angels Walk Among Us.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

It’ll Be OK.

“ I’m on my second guardian angel. My first one quit and is in therapy.”

~ tricitiesonadime

COMMENT: Have you met an angel here on earth?