Thursday, October 14, 2010

Angels among us

My friend, Jamie, saved a man's life last week. While out for an afternoon walk, enjoying a little sunshine while it's left, she crossed paths with an elderly man & had the distinct feeling that he was not ok. Instead of dismissing it, she paused & watched him on his path. I am so proud of her for not giving in to the temptation to walk away & reassure herself that he would be fine. Then, as she watched the disoriented man fall, she ran to him. She caught the attention of 2 road maintenance men who then saw him & ran to his aid as well. The 3 of them were able to care for him & get him safely home (a nearby nursing facility he'd escaped from).

I was so touched when she shared this experience with me, & I was so grateful to know her & call her my friend. I was reminded of the words of Elder Holland
  
But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with - here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind.

Jamie was this man's angel. I couldn't help but think of my own dear grandpa in his last days with dementia & how grateful I am to all those who loved & cared for him. My mom told me a story of a young man, maybe 12 years old?, who would sit by my grandpa every week in church. One week my mom & Auntie Lynne showed up & sat behind the 2 of them. Not knowing who these women were, the young man turned to them & asked if they wouldn't mind watching his friend while he stepped out to use the restroom. They said they'd love to. It was something so small, but knowing my grandpa was loved & watched over brought such peace. This man's family will likely never know about the service Jamie offered, but regardless they will always be grateful for a young woman who had the courage to follow her heart.

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