Surely, There Are Angels

A friend once asked me, "Do you think angels really exist?" " I find it hard to believe that there are people or beings that fly around helping or watching over people." I immediately thought of the incredible experience I had once with I thought to be an angel. I remembered it all so vividly so I sat my friend down and told her about it. My motive was to plant a seed of faith in her heart by telling her my story.

I was on the way home from the office where I worked. I had a very mundane job of filing and answering phones all day. I usually found solace on the way home looking at the trees sparsely scattered on the sidewalks and in between building. In the last few days some of the bigger trees had been turning brilliant shades of yellow and orange that provided redemption against the grime of New York City.

I was musing at the vivid colors and beauty when my car suddenly stalled in a sketchy part of town three car lengths from the stop light. This was just what I needed to end the week I remarked sarcastically. I sat there in disbelief and staring long enough for the light change from red to green about a dozen times shielding myself from the onslaught of noise from the city.

I cringed as I stepped out of the car to honking and yelling of obscenities' in addition to the smog that made the street become a hazy blur. I had quickly learned that while in the city you should trust no one no matter how much you might want to. I was startled when an elderly sweet looking lady came up to me and said "young lady, come up to my apartment and call someone to help you with your car". I looked at her suspiciously but was internally grateful for her kindness. She had a soothing manner about her. with caution I responded "thanks but I will just use the payphone on the corner". She smiled warmly and said " I know this city has a reputation for bad people but I am not one of them". I cannot explain it but there was an undeniable truth to her voice.

The wind started to pick up and cold drizzle started to come down so I accepted her invitation after all. " I really appreciate you letting me use your phone" I told he as the sweet smell of rain flooded her tiny apartment. "It sure cooled off quickly and wet shoes make it even colder" I chuckled as he handed me a cup of tea. I gratefully took the cup from her and let the soothing smell of Earl Grey flood my nostrils. I peered out of the window looking down on the street and closed my eyes savoring the warm and comforting liquid against the cool of the air wafting through and softly said thank you as she beamed back at me. I pondered why I hadn't met more people like her in my time here, then perhaps I wouldn't be so cynical towards the human race. My thoughts were crudely interrupted with a HONK HONK, "hey lady your car started just fine! Are you crazy?" I was snapped back to reality and grimaced as the portly unkempt service man gestured to me.

" You don't have to go so soon dear, there is a place to park around the corner". I was sad to have to go but was exhausted and weary. I reassured her that I would love to co me back and visit for she had restored my faith in humanity.

We said our goodbyes and thanked her for her amazing hospitality and instant friendship. As I was leaving though an odd sensation came over me. I shrugged it off and continued on my way. As I pulled into my own driveway I frowned realizing I hadn't even asked for her name. I was already planning on what treats I would take her to reciprocate her generosity. I went back a few days later and she was nowhere to be found. No answer at her door. I asked around the apartment building and nobody could recall the lady I described. One neighbor said that what I thought was her apartment had been vacant for some time. I even went out to the street and looked around to make sure I had the right place and was sure I did. I left confused and bewildered but reflected fondly on the experience.

After I finished telling my friend the story she just sat there with wide but skeptic eyes. I told her that I guess angels can come in many different forms. She replied with "Gee, that's a weird story but kinda neat though". I could tell it had inspired some thought for her but not sure beyond that how much she got out of it. That was the last time we spoke on the subject of angels.