GUARDIAN ANGEL

There was a knock on the door to the villa at this beachside resort in Cancun. We were alerted that there had been an electrical outage and told where to locate candles to use.

I had clothes drying in the laundry on the bottom floor and decided to navigate the stairs before it became too dark. There were two other people that I did not know, folding their laundry when I arrived. The gentleman who was there was sharing his great experiences over the years at this beautiful time share with a woman who was fairly new to this resort.

In spite of the electrical outage, the conversation was enthusiastic and happy. After all, we were not in the snow. And one can experience a great evening by candlelight.

I joined in the conversation with my experiences and memories of when this beautiful area was first developed and we lost power many times.

The gentleman left and the woman and I continued talking while folding our damp clothes.

She asked if I was with my husband and I had told her that he passed away 3 years ago and that our anniversary was a few days ago. We had celebrated that special day in Cancun every year since 1980. Often we teased that we had stayed married for so many years because no one wanted to give up Cancun.

She became silent and then I noticed tears in her eyes as the daylight faded. She then told me that her son had passed away many years ago. He had been in his 30's and only married for a short time. He had cancer. We both shared how our faith and belief in the Spiritual world gave us comfort during our time of loss.

Her granddaughter was very young when her son passed away. This young child never had the pleasure of getting to know her Uncle during his lifetime........... And yet..............he was known as her GUARDIAN ANGEL...................

Many times this young girl was overheard talking to someone when no one was in the room with her. Children do this and they insist they are talking to someone specific. Adults refer to conversations like this as; "talking to an imaginary friend." And that they will outgrow these imaginary friends. But what if these friends are not a figment of a child's imagination?

Children are more open to the Spiritual world than adults. Their uncluttered, innocent minds can see those in the Spiritual world. Many times they have conversations with their Guardian Angels. Who are we to judge and dismiss these conversations?

After overhearing a number of conversations, a curious adult asked this young girl, who she was talking to. She simply pointed to a picture of her deceased Uncle and said that she was talking to him. He helps her..................when she needs help.......

This family felt that her deceased Uncle is her GUARDIAN ANGEL and is still watching over her after so many years.

There is more to this story but light was waining and we had to walk up several flights of stairs before dark. We wanted to meet on the beach another day but schedules and company kept us from getting together to finish the story.

We shared a hug and shared our Faith. Hopefully, we will meet again next year. I look forward to the rest of the story.

THE GIFT OF TIME

Marie was rushing once more with her grandson. She felt it was important to make time to

spend with him. He lived in the hill country with his parents in a sparsely settled area where

he had little to no interaction with children of his own age. On top of that, his little world was

falling apart. His parents marriage was failing and divorce proceedings were started.

This was a stressful and confusing time for a little six year old. He needed to interact with

children, make friends, learn to socialize and simply play.......................................

His grandmother made her way up the mountain to pick him up, several times a week.

She put her life on hold in order to help her grandson and daughter through this difficult time.

She found two places to take him to that gave him the opportunity to meet children. Mc Donalds

Playland and Clifton Commons. He loved spending time there (5 hours in McDonalds

Playland???? Marie developed patience)

Those were his favorite places in addition to running around Grandmas's home, playing with her.

AND PLAYING TRICKS ON HER. Laughter is good for the soul and his creative mischief

produced many laughs, not only for them but for those who were passing by who

witnessed them outdoors.

She encouraged him to be creative and express himself through painting. One of his

paintings was on exhibit at his school at the request of his principal.

They worked on arts and crafts projects together.

They took nature walks; sat on a log by a running stream or simply watched the stars

at night while sitting on a large boulder in her yard. She would tell him stories

while looking at the stars.

He made friends at McDonalds and Clifton Commons .

Grandma was a good sport and so when he and his friends urged her to follow them

into a tunnel at the commons, she did so. OOPS...................she had forgotten

that she had gained weight and she got stuck.

It was a hilarious sight to see her grandson and friends trying to push and

pull her out. They were successful. Grandma did not venture into tight spaces after that.

Many of these activities were observed by Danny or he heard about them.

Grandma had a 150 gallon salt water fish tank in her home. This tank was filled with exotic fish

and needed expertise and attention in maintenance that she did not have and so, she hired

Danny to care for the fish.

The fish provided much pleasure for all who spent time looking at them and interacting with

them. They were a learning experience.

Danny was very friendly and always had a smile on his face. He loved to talk about his children.

He and Marie had numerous conversations about family.

One day, he was very quiet. He seemed upset. When he finally decided to talk, he simply said;

"YOU GIVE OF YOURSELF, YOU GIVE YOUR TIME" and then he shared what was bothering

him.

That day was his wife's birthday. Her parents had mailed her a check for $5,000.00. It upset

her. She had received a number of checks from them via mail.

They rarely spent time with her or her children. THE GIFT OF TIME AND SELF was what she

longed for. That gift was rarely given.

That is the gift she would cherish the most. SHE WISHED FOR THAT.

WHEN ANGELS TAKE FLIGHT

Merry Christmas in Heaven, Nadine.

Love, Mom

Every year at this very special time of the year, I receive Christmas cards from friends across the country. One card that I look forward to receiving is from Irene Katyl. She always composes a poem about the spirit of Christmas and the birth of Christ. Instead of her yearly poem, she wanted to share one wrote by her granddaughter, Tanya, in honor of her beloved Aunt Nadine who entered Gods Kingdom at 52 years of age this past August.

WHEN ANGELS TAKE FLIGHT

The angel came down through the light of the night,

to guide our new angel to an everlasting life.

The gates opened wide with a welcome embrace,

As loved ones who passed put a smile on her face.

A spirit so vibrant, full of life and love

we know she'll keep watch on us from above.

Her mother, a friend through thick and thin

Will keep her heart and soul alive 'til they meet again.

A lover of kitty cats in a special way

always ready and willing to take in a stray'

She was greatly loved by all she knew

making people laugh was easy to do.

We say good-bye with a heavy heart,

Knowing we're truly never apart.

She's playing cards in the clouds with Uncle George and Pop,

having so much fun, she doesn't want to stop.

She was ready to take her place at HIS side.

With the wind in her hair she soars through the sky.

We love you and miss you and now say good-bye.


Author: Tonya Rygelski



Nadine was able to send her family a sign that she was happy in HEAVEN. This occurred shortly after her death. It brought comfort to her family. They were open to signs from HEAVEN. And a sign was sent that left no doubt as to who it came from. I have heard many stories of signs from loved ones who entered HEAVEN. How they reach out to us, comfort us in times of need. I hope someday to write about some of these signs.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dolores

WEDDING RINGS

Erik admired the cross that I was wearing. I met him while in San Francisco where my son was undergoing another major operation. He noticed that I had added our wedding rings to the cross. On occasion, I wear our wedding rings on the chain with my cross. My ring fits inside George's and they look well with the cross. In fact, they look as if they are part of this piece.

My five year old granddaughter, Lexi, has often heard people comment about this cross and now her attention has been brought to the rings. She and I often talk about her Grandfather, George, who is now in Heaven.

Lexi and I continued on one of the many adventures that we shared together while her Mom was at the hospital with her Dad. She is a bundle of energy and very inquisitive. I delight in her enthusiasm and energy and grateful that I have enough energy to keep up with her.

Out of the clear blue, she asked me if she could have our wedding rings for when she gets married. She wanted to give George's ring to her future husband and wanted to wear my ring. She said that "you were happy married to Grandpa".

I replied, "yes, I was and Lexi, the rings are yours".

Those rings were worn for 46 years with love.

When it is time for Lexi to have these rings, my fondest wish for her is that she will meet her soulmate as was my good fortune in life and that he will love and cherish her as much as her Grandfather had loved and cherished her Grandmother.

REMEMBER ME

Recently I read a blog that tugged at my heart. Love and courage filled the pages of the Sullivan blog.

I had received a simple but poignant e-mail from one of my longest and most cherished friends. A woman who George and I were blessed to call friend. She lives in Colorado and is so beautiful, both inside and out.

She asked for prayers.

Her nephews wife of 5 years, had just entered Heaven. Just two weeks after their 1st child was born. Chloe was born with a heart birthmark on her right arm. She is a beautiful baby. Brady and Sara rejoiced in the birth of their miracle baby. But time was short and Sara died at the end of September. She had been ill for some time. There story of love and courage is worth reading. I would not be able to do justice to their story in this space and so I will refer you to their blog.
Bandssullivan.blogspot.com

Brady and Sara are a young couple. Death comes to people of all ages.

Those of us who are left behind honor the memory of our deceased loved ones by how we go on with life. How they would want us to go on with life. Prayers are needed for those left behind to have the courage to go on without that special person and best friend at their side.

The journey alone is not always an easy one. Comfort does come from the spiritual messages that our loved ones from Heaven manage to get through to us.

My sister-in-law passed away just a short time after her second child was born. Before her 30th. birthday. A few weeks ago, I spent time with my niece who never got to know her mother. We talked about her mother. She only knows what people tell her.

Joan had a huge impact on my life and I make a point of sharing this with my niece. The first time that I had met Joan, she looked like a beautiful fairy princess to me. She was beautiful and wore a white suit.

I was young and people in the coal mining area that I grew up in, did not wear white suits. She was a vision to me.

I share my special thoughts of her with her daughter who never had the chance to know her mother. These talks are important to my niece and I.

Years ago, I came across a picture of my brother and his wife and sent him a copy of it. Little did I know that he had thought that picture was lost forever. His reaction was as if I had sent him a million dollars. He sent copies to his two daughters. He also wrote to me about where and when the picture was taken. He wrote of the happy memories of that time. A simple gesture of making a copy of a picture and sending it to him created much joy.

We all remember those who passed away in so many different ways. Sharing those good memories with their families can be a comfort to them. Take the time to share your thoughts. Make them smile. Bring joy to their hearts.

MAY I TAKE YOUR PICTURE

Startled, I looked up into the face of a lovely young women holding a professional camera. She said, " May I take your picture, you look so beautiful sitting there". She further explained that she was an artist and would like to paint my picture.....for , how do you say it? I replied, posterity! She replied; yes..... for posterity.

I smiled and agreed. She asked me to continue reading the book that I was holding. That was the picture that she wanted to capture. Please, she said, continue what you were doing.

I heard the click of her camera and then she was gone.

I did not tell her that I was NOT reading. My heart, thoughts and prayers at the moment that she saw me were in THE SPIRITUAL WORLD AND HEAVEN. You see, just hours before, I had received word that my 52 year old niece, NADINE, died.

I wanted to be with my family during this time. They were almost 400 miles away and I had planned the 8 hour drive the next day. I could not concentrate on what I was doing at home and decided to drive to clear my head. I pulled my hair back in a pony tail, covered my head with a lopsided, white baseball cap, wore a tank top and cut offs. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I hardly think so. The look that she captured, sitting on a bench overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was of a woman DEEP IN PRAYER and the SPIRITUAL WORLD.

At that moment, I had been thinking about my beloved husband, George, welcoming Nadine into Heaven. Of Nadine, organizing a poker game with Poopsie, her grandfather and the rest of our deceased family members gathering around. So many have passed away.

We knew that she would have a shorter life span due to childhood diabetes. Another cousin, who was a Dr. passed away at the age of 47 from childhood diabetes.

Nadine was not afraid of death. Years ago, she had a near death experience. As she described the experience, she had entered the tunnel filled with white light. It was so beautiful there. She wanted to stay but it was not her time and she lived.

Nadine lived with her mother, Irene. This was a tough summer for both of them. They were in and out of the hospital.

The night before she died, Irene just returned from a ten day hospital stay. She called me to let me know that she was home. Nadine said that they were fine. Things were looking better.

Irene had lost a tremendous amount of weight and Nadine had fun shopping for new clothes to fit her mother.

A Memorial service for Nadine was held at St. Therese's. Father Jim said just what we needed to hear as family and friends.

Nadine was cremated and her urn was in front of the altar along with a beautiful picture of her. I looked at that picture long and hard. She sported a partial middle part in her hair.

After the Church ceremony, all were invited to the home of her Uncle Bill and Aunt Cindy. As we told Nadine stories, my eyes were directed to the picture that was in Church. Now it was placed on the mantel of the fireplace. I kept looking and looking. I finally got up from the sofa that I was sitting on and looked closer. I picked up the picture and started to smile. Then I turned to those around me. I asked them to look at the picture as well.

Do you see it? What do you see? The middle part in her hair looked like a CROSS. Was it there all the time???????? And no one noticed.......OR was this a way that Nadine was able to let us know that SHE WAS FINE AND HAPPY IN HEAVEN.

THERE ARE ANGELS IN THIS HOUSE LOOKING OUT AFTER YOU

Out of the mouths of children.

Several neighborhood children just left my home. They range in age from 3 to 11. Every day, one or two will knock at my door to say hello and give me a hug. This has been going on since George died. Prior to that, I rarely spent time here. ( This was our vacation home.) I did not know these little ones. I was needed elsewhere and traveled back and forth to where I was needed. The children knew George.

This was supposed to be our retirement home. Cape Cod is a beautiful place and we had planned to spend the rest of our lives here. But......as those who read Revelation, George was called to Heaven.

Revelation tells how his Spirit prevented me from selling this home in Oct. of 2006.

For some reason, the children started coming to visit and offered to help clean up the yard, keep me company and invite me to cook outs at their homes etc.

When ever I pull into the driveway after being away, there is someone to welcome me back. I have come to love all of these little ones. I could write many stories of our times together.

Today, I was feeling low. Much is on my mind.......and then the doorbell rang. At first, two little girls came in. One just had braces put on and we talked about that. She had a cheerleading tee shirt on and we talked about that. It reminded me of the days when I was a cheerleader in high school.

Out of the clear blue, she said that I was going to be in the Guinness book of records as being the nicest person ever....................................WOW!!! Both little girls then started saying so many nice things about me that made my heart sing.......THE BLUES FLEW OUT THE WINDOW...........

Then the others came to the door and we had a houseful of little children.

Some of these children do not go to Church and had asked their parents about the crucifix in my home. They ask me about my Faith.

Another goes to Catholic school and she has told me that she feels good angels here. She has questioned me about George and his Spirit. She told me that the Angels are here with me.

I had never told her about Revelation or his Spirit here.

Much more conversation took place as the boys showed up. Now the talk has turned to fishing and kayaking. I fish with the boys and will kayak with them.

There is another knock on the door. Parents of these children have sent someone to tell them to come home for dinner.

As they left, my heart was filled with joy and love.........And to think, just earlier in the day, I was feeling so low............

BLESSED WITH AN EXTENSION OF LIFE

"I've been blessed with an extension, no telling how long, complete with a good quality of life. Whatever is happening inside me seems to have slowed to a point where I can think of celebrating the birth of a grandchild in March and even, more hopefully, the graduation of my youngest in June."

"Regardless of what happens though, I want you both to know how wonderful your gift to us last December was. It came at what has been our lowest point."

"Again my deepest thanks."

These words were part of a thank-you letter from one co-worker and friend to another.

I would like to take you back a few months to what transpired and how the generosity and caring of one human being for another made a difference in their life.

Marie and Mike were busy making plans to go on a two week vacation in Florida. They were booked into a villa in a five star time share resort.

Mike was visibly upset when he came home from work one evening and needed to talk to his wife.

Allen was in his office that afternoon and told him that he just returned from the Doctor. His test results were in and he only had a few months to live.

Allen and his wife worked very hard to provide a good home and education for their children and they rarely if ever had the money to go on a vacation. Now it was too late. Allen said that he only had months to live.

Mike asked Marie if she would consider not going to Florida and to give their time-share to Allen and his wife. Without hesitation, Marie agreed to this request.

Allen and his wife were ecstatic over this gift. Since the gift was for two weeks, they wanted to share this time with their children. And so plans were made. They would go to Florida for the first week by themselves and their family would join them the second week.

Mike told Marie of the plans and she decided to call their exchange company and see if they could get an upgrade to a three bedroom unit from the two bedroom unit that was reserved. Their exchange group was most co-operative after hearing the reason for this request and went out of their way to provide a three bedroom villa for Allen, his wife and family.

When word of this buzzed around the office building, others wanted to be a part of this gift to Allen. Sandy took up a collection and enough money was collected to cover the airfare for the family.

PRAYERS WERE SAID.........

For the first time in months, Allen was able to relax a bit. In his darkest moment, he confided in a friend and co-worker. He never expected that Mike and Marie, or for that matter, that anyone would care enough to send he and his wife away on a much needed vacation. HIS DEPRESSION started to lift.... HIS ATTITUDE changed.....

Instead of just giving up, he decided to make the most of every last moment with his family. He was going to fight for every last moment of his life.

When they returned from Florida, he felt so different.

He saw his Doctor and after more tests, surprising good news. He was in remission.

Allen saw the birth of his grandchild. He was there for his youngest child's graduation from high school. He had a new lease on life and lived for several more years.

THE OPEN WINDOW

Deep saddness....numbness.....disbelief.....she is not really there...........

These are some of the emotions of a new widow on her way to the funeral Mass of her soulmate of over 40 years. She was surrounded by family and friends. She was the ultimate hostess and mother, making sure that everyone was o.k and taken care of......This was not real. Tomorrow she would wake up to find out that this was a bad dream.

He was to be cremated. They did not have a burial plot. They thought that they had time. YEARS......

Little did they know that when they embraced, prior to leaving for the hospital, that he would not return. He hugged his daughter and said that he would see her in a few days.

He did not want his wife to drive him to the hospital at 4:O0 A.M. and told her to go back to bed. He would see her in the recovery room later that morning. A friend of his drove him to the hospital.

His surgeon told her that his operation was a success. BUT.....one hospital infection after another set in and then pneumonia. Her soulmate was dead.

Bill was a successful, unpretentious man of great humility. He was a good man. He was someone who did not want people to make a fuss over him. During his career, he had received much publicity and awards. He would credit others for his success. This was so like him and part of his charm.

When word of his death became known, people wanted to pay their respects. Most of their family and friends lived in other states but made arrangements to be either at his viewing and/or funeral Mass.

Chris made an appointment at a well respected funeral home to make final arrangements. The funeral director shortly became aware of who Bill was in life. He made a few suggestions and Chris gave him the go a head to do what was appropriate.

His funeral was far more than he would have planned for himself...he would have said, "why the fuss".......lighten up....He had an elegant send off.

Chris rushed from the house into the waiting limousine. She normally did not carry house keys. Her door opener was programmed to a device in her car. But, she was not driving.

After the Mass and reception, many out of town guests along with family and friends came back to their home to visit. Chris realized at this point that she had locked herself out. Numerous cars were arriving. Various people were walking around the house and looking for a way in. The place was locked up. No one could get in.

As people were milling around the front yard, one young man, noticed a second story window open a slight way. He brought this to Chris's attention. She shook her head and said that he was mistaken. That was her office window and it was never opened. It was always locked.

That window had a view that she enjoyed and so she had placed her leather top antique desk in front of it. She took great care of that desk and worked at it many hours during the day. She never opened the window. It was difficult to reach over the large desk.

But sure enough, the window was open a bit. ONLY THAT WINDOW......

Some of the men borrowed a tall ladder from a neighbor. Mike climbed the ladder to the cheers of those watching and was able to crawl through the window.

This diversion broke the somber mood of the people who gathered to continue the celebration of Bills life and to tell "Bill stories"

One could almost hear Bill say, "this is more like it"....."no more pomp and ceremony ". He always had a way to put people at ease.....Could this have been his way of making us laugh? LETTING US KNOW THAT HE WAS WATCHING OVER US?

Who opened that specific window? The window has been locked ever since......It was always locked before.........

Everyone exclaimed! "Bill did it"

KEPT SAFE IN HIS ARMS

The evening was supposed to be a fun filled evening. A few young men were out on the town. This was the beginning of spring and spirits ran high.

Sometime during the course of the evening, two good friends got into an argument. Jim decided to leave his friends rather than continue arguing.

THAT DECISION SAVED HIS LIFE......................

Later in the evening, the remaining friends were murdered. Shot down by someone not from the area........a senseless shooting.........

One can only imagine the thoughts going through Jim's head. The emotions that he experienced. He was alive, his friends were dead. The last conversation with his best friend was an argument.

Time passed and Jim looked into his inner self and developed a deeper spiritual awareness.

He could never take back the argument that transpired between he and his friend before the senseless murders. He had to live with that.

Jim was by himself, driving a compact car when he was involved in a car accident. He was not wearing a seat belt. The car was totaled. Broken glass everywhere. No one could survive this type of accident.........................

When Jim was extracted from his crushed vehicle, not only was he alive, but he had very few injuries...................

SOMEONE HELD HIM AND SHIELDED HIM INSIDE THE CAR.................. He saw his friend in the car with him. He felt someone holding him as the vehicle was destroyed.

His friend kept him safe........the memory of their last words spoken in anger was replaced by the wondrous act of his friend who came to him, protected him in his time of crisis.

Why was he saved? Why was his friend murdered?

I do not know Jim. I met him briefly when he was at work and he noticed the Cross that I always wear. A casual conversation relating to his job took place and then he shared this story with me. There is more to the story and at a later time, I may be able to expand on it........but first, I hope to meet Jim again......................