ONE DAY, WHILE I WAS WALKING IN THE PARK, I NOTICED A LITTLE GIRL

[Carol Anne Kincaid~Paradis]

ONE DAY, WHILE I WAS WALKING IN THE PARK, I NOTICED A LITTLE GIRL

One day, while I was walking in the park, I noticed a little girl. Barefoot and dirty, she was watching all the people indifferently going by. She was silent and did not say a word. Everybody just passed by and did not pay any attention to her.

The very next day I decided to go back to that park and clear up if the girl was still there. She was right there in the same spot as yesterday, sadly looking around. I felt that I am worried about her, as a park full of strangers is not a good place for small kids to play alone.

I started approaching her and suddenly noticed that the girl‘s back was oddly deformed. A thought crossed my mind that maybe this was the reason why everyone was avoiding her and did not try to help. I got closer and smiled to let her know that I was there to talk, to help. I started with “Hello” and then sat down near her. The girl was very surprised, however, after a long stare into my eyes, she replied „Hi“.

We talked and talked, so many hours passed by and darkness came. The park became silent and empty. Then I carefully asked the little girl, why she was so sorrowful and lonesome. „I am different, that‘s why” – was her reply. I agreed with her and smiled „Yes, you are“, and then I continued „you remind of an angel, pure and sweet“. She slowly got to her feet and smiled „Really?” I confirmed that she looks to me like a little Guardian Angel to watch all the people going by. To my surprise, she nodded her head and admitted „I am, I am your Guardian Angel“, then she spread her wings. I was so amazed, that I couldn‘t say a word. After a moment she explained „Think of someone other than yourself – that was the purpose of my job here“.

Then I got to my feet and asked „Why nobody stopped to help you?”
„Because only you could see me“, was her answer and then she was gone.

Angels:An Angel Is ... Forgiving
When we have been deeply hurt, we can be an angel of forgiveness for others. When there is no earthly reason to forgive, no justification for letting someone off the hook, we can seek a reason beyond our earthly plane. We can call upon our angels for holy intervention ... to enable us to grant the grace of forgiveness to one another. When we do this, we become angels and make the world a more loving place for us all.

An Angel Is ... Courageous
Each of us encounters certain watershed events when we need more faith in ourselves than we can possibly imagine ... more faith, perhaps, than any other human being has ever expressed. In these moments, we can call upon our angel to give us strength and to guide us through the test ahead. We can summon the courage to stand up for what we believe in and overcome any obstacle. With the help of our guardian angel, we can find a courageous heart to carry us through those moments when we need to be stronger than we know how to be.

An Angel Is ... Trusting
When we place our trust in someone, we in turn become an angel for that person. Every time we grant to another a position of authority ... even if it is a child asked to collect homework ... we give that person a boost in self-esteem. When we trust a person's word, we elevate him in his own eyes and in the eyes of others. Sometimes we choose to trust someone who has betrayed us in the past; with that act of faith, we sow the seeds of healing and growth, and truly become an angel of trust.

An Angel Is ... Truthful
The virtue of truth has been recognized and honored throughout the ages of man. Each culture has had a name for this steadfast spirit, which inspires and gives courage to those who seek justice and honor. Whenever it is difficult for us to keep our word or speak the truth, we pray to the angel of truth for the tenacity we need. We, in turn, can be an angel of truth for friends or business collragues when they are tempted to be less than honest or forthright in a situation. For those who struggle with ethical decisions, our encouragement can be the inspiration they need to make a decision on the side of truth.

An Angel Is ... Loyal
What a blessing it is to have a friend who is loyal to the end. How rare, indeed, are these personal angels who will stand by us no matter how seriously their belief in us is tested. An angel of loyalty often acts without evidence or weight of public opinion on our side. This angel invests a faith and commitment in us that lets us know we are valued and will never be alone. Inspired by such an angel, we learn to stand up for ourselves as well, to prove ourselves worth of such a loyal friend, and to be steadfastly loyal in return.

An Angel Is ... Affectionate
When we express genuine affection to a friend, a lover, a parent or a child, we give that person a gift of joy. We become for him or her a spark of light ... an angel of love. Sometimes we hold ourselves back, wondering just what the other person may think, worried about being too forward or, or being careful about overstepping our bounds. How angelic is the moment when we let go of those restrictions and give an affectionate smile or hug or words of encouragement. At times like this, we become angels of affection for our friends.

Angels Are ... Creative
In the quiet moments of early dawn, when our spirit longs to write or sing or dance or draw, we call upon the angels of creativity to lead the way. These are the angels who clarify the artist's intention, deepen their inspiration, quicken the beat or lighten the step. These angels of creativity help us in the search for the perfect word or phrase hidden in our pen or locked in our keyboard. Whether we create poetry or prose, painting or sculpture, movies or music, we are inspired by the angels to add beauty and joy to the world we know.

Angels Are ... Childlike
When all is said and done, our most cherished qualities are the childlike wonder and faith we possessed long ago, before we learned to be careful and in control. How much like angels we are when we learn to let go of our adult inhibitions and rediscover the child within us! How angelic we can be when we are spontaneous and truly joyous. Our guardian angels would like nothing better than to help us to be playful and carefree and curious, to become once again, in our hearts, the child they first grew to love so many years ago.

We are often blessed with the friendship of personal angels ... people who are so caring and supportive that they become angels for us. These personal angels bring a brightness and love that we cherish forever.

An Angel Is ... A Parent
Our first image of an angel may well have been Mom or Dad ... the one who came to our rescue and reassured us in the dark of the night. For the child in all of us, a parent is the angel we seek to guide and protect us and uplift our spirits when the going gets tough. Parents need not be angelic or saintly to fulfill this roll! All that is needed is unconditional love, a willingness to listen, and a smile or hug when we need encouragement. This is how we learn to be angels for our own children as well.

An Angel Is ... A Teacher
For many of us, our earliest memories of an angel relate to a favorite teacher. A teacher's role is to inspire us to investigate, delve, discover, invent, and understand far beyond our own belief in our abilities. A teacher who uncovered our personal gift or spark will remain for us the angel who created a turning point in our life, or the one who first let us know how special we were. Inspired by this personal angel, we can keep alive the curious child within us and continue to uncover our hidden treasure of talent or self-esteem.

An Angel Is ... A Favorite Relative
Sometimes we need a special friend to confide in, an older friend who is wise and knowing and patient to the ninth degree. This friend is often an aunt, uncle, grandparent, cousin, or even a brother or sister. These personal angels fill a place that our parents cannot. They do not act as stern taskmasters or disciplinarians. They can be confidants and playmates, no matter how different their ages. What an honor it is to be an angel in this way, to fill a role that no one can!

An Angel Is ... A Neighbor
There are times in life when we feel frightened or alone, when we seem to have no one with whom to talk or share our troubles. At these times, an angel often steps in, who lives right next door, or just down the block. This angel is a neighbor who stays with us, brings a meal, cares for our children, or does any of a thousand small things that mean so much. Imagine what a wonderful neighborhood the world would be if we all decided to become angels for one another!

An Angel Is ... A Teammate
Personal angels are often those who urge us to pull from our deepest selves the strength or precision that will win the day. These angels are frequently peers, compatriots, or schoolmates, who think of us as members of their team. Whether as part of a sports team or a team in business, these angels place their faith and confidence in us ... even when they have, at times, no logical reason to trust us so highly. To these angels, we are forever indebted, because their faith is what enables us to rise to the challenge and become the winners we desire to be.

An Angel Is ...
A Minister, Rabbi, or a Priest
Anyone who teaches us about the greatest mysteries of life can be an angel for us. These ministering angels reach deep into our souls to instill in us a desire to learn who and what we are. They bring us the understanding and wisdom we need to build a solidfirm foundation of faith in our lives.

An Angel Is ... A Healer
The heart of a healer is a generous heart indeed. The heart of a healer is the heart of an angel, who stays by you as long as you need, no matter what the personal cost. These angels are on duty day and night, bold and sacrificing souls who dedicate their lives to the health and well-being of others. They bless our hospitals, the healers within, and the sick who have come for relief, with their unyielding love, dedication, and energy.

An Angel Is ...
Someone Who Makes Us Laugh
In the midst of everyday life, when responsibilities grow heavy and time seems too short, someone with a sense of humor can bring a breath of fresh air. This angels helps us see the funny side of an event or remark, which helps us to avoid wounded feelings and lightens our approach to a given situation. A friend who helps us let go of our daily cares is an angel indeed and one who brings us a blessing when it is most sorely needed.

An Angel Is ... A Protector
Those who offer their lives to protect others are surely angels in the flesh. Whether a soldier, police officer, fire fighter, or any other type of warrior, an angel of protection is one who is ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the good and safety of others. These angels earn our respect and deepest thanks everyday. When they face danger for our sakes, we can pray for their protection and strength and ask that their own guardian angels bring them home safely.

Whether they teach us formally (in a place of worship or education) or through laughter, song, and play, the guidance of these angels makes a difference that will last a lifetime

Good Night... Sweet dreams... Angel  Blessings...Carol Anne..