ANGELS AMONGST US

"Are there Angels Amongst Us" you ask? Seems I've been short on recognizing my angels these past few weeks. You know... those people that magically appear out of nowhere just exactly when they're needed, do a good deed without being asked and then quietly recede.... never seeking recognition!

Sometimes angels are people you don't know doing a good deed for a stranger. Sometimes they are the people who are there for you every day. And, sometimes they're consistently there for someone you love. And so it is, for me and my just-starting-to-get-elderly aunt who lives alone. Her friend Rosa has been her angel for so long it's hard to remember that she is, in fact, an angel who goes above and beyond the call of friendship on a daily basis.

Recently, my aunt tripped over lawn edging and fell. Though nothing broke, she's bruised about the knees and suffered a fat lip as well. It was Rosa, who lives nearby, that came to the rescue in her time of need. It was Rosa who dropped what she was doing and came running to my aunt's aide when she called. No, she didn't have children that needed picking up from school. She didn't have to go to work. She wasn't out shopping or too busy with her own To Do List, which God knows she has, to help my aunt. The phone rang and she went without hesitation.

Truly, there's so much more that Rosa does and offers my aunt in her years-long friendship. I can't even begin to describe the camaraderie and mutual concern they have for each other. But, especially now, as the years wear on, Rosa is leading the way towards easing my aunt's fears and resolving the issues she faces as she ages. I'm certain that my aunt thanks God for the angel she has found in Rosa. But, I'd like to acknowledge to the world my appreciation for the Angel Amongst Us... Rosa has been the best friend my aunt and I could ever have hoped for.

I wish everyone an angel like Rosa. And, if you're lucky enough to already have one... Take a moment to say thank you to your angel. Because every one -- even angels -- like hearing that they're appreciated every once in awhile.