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?
First, here's a silly comment: there's an old movie with Doris Day a nd Cary Grant entitled "A Touch of Mink." Doris says she is fom UPPER SANDUSKY! Now, angels: right now Debbie Bolduc's comment is showing on my screen. A couple of months ago, Graham used break outs for a chat event. Debbie and I were in the sane little grouup of just four. She and I have become THC buddies, and it has enhanced my love of THC greatly. Now I feel "at home," not only with Debbie, but with quite a number of folks. If I'm feeling any degree of loneliness, a trip to the THC platform will lift me some. Another source of angels is this: a gift I have is the ability to speak to strangers in a polite, humorous way. A one minute exchange will leave us both smiling. I learned that from my father who has been my angel since 1984 (when he passed).
Just wonderful Jan, with tears in my eyes, thank you for sharing this heartwarming episode in your life. Hugs and love Rita❤️🙏🏻