47
" Star Struck
Our group visited the laser light show, an attraction mixing music and beams of bright colors as they formed constellations and abstract shapes. An awe-inspiring performance, but as it ended, I noticed the stranger, eyes still focused on me. I turned away quickly.
“Look--over by the door. There he is again.” I gestured for my friend to sneak a peek in the direction of the man.
“Where?” She squinted, her head pointed straight at him. “I don’t see him--maybe he left.”
Frustration tinged my voice. “He’s right there--hasn’t moved an inch. He’s almost smiling at me now. Please don’t try to say I’m imagining him.” Fear mounted in me. Was I being stalked? I tucked the thought away, determined to enjoy this time with my companions, to relax in the gentle warmth of the sun.
As our excursion neared its end, I glanced to the left, at the wall of a building, devoid of gates or doors of any sort. The man leaned against it, looking at me. This time I stared back, determined to show a bravery I didn’t feel. Hidden in pockets, my hands trembled.
A calm smile and deep compassion shone on his face as we locked eyes for what felt like minutes, but probably lasted only seconds. Then--I don’t know how to explain it--it was as though a burst of conversation swept from his mind to mine.
“Everything’s going to be all right.”
I felt an intense warmth head to toe, as though embraced in a spiritual hug from the inside out.
“There’s work ahead.”
I took a deep breath, maintaining the eye contact, listening.
He continued to smile with his eyes. “I’ll be watching.”
I nodded slowly, softly. I understood. And felt safe.
A friend tugged on my arm, pulling me toward another monument. I turned my head back for a glimpse of the man, but he was gone. I scanned the building once more, searching for openings he could have exited through. There were none.
I shook my head. I knew I’d seen him. And he’d seen me. I was certain he was real. I still felt his warmth.
We headed for home, my mind filled with questions about the man, and the message I’d somehow received. Reason fought against intuition. He was just an ordinary guy. Or was he?
In the months to come, I overcame my fears and visited the doctor. I underwent three cardiac catheterization operations, and a successful triple-bypass surgery. Through them all, I knew I’d be al right.
Years have passed since that day. But the peace he projected has remained with me. God sent me comfort in a way I needed, in a form I could understand and trust--an ordinary-looking man. He gave me the courage and the confidence to take care of my health problems.
My angel.
And even though I can’t see him, I know he’s still watching. I know things are going to be all right.
How can I be so sure?
Because there’s still work for me to do. He told me so.
-Nancy Zeider "
― Jack Canfield , Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us: 101 Inspirational Stories of Miracles, Faith, and Answered Prayers
49
" Star Struck
We headed for home, my mind filled with questions about the man, and the message I’d somehow received. Reason fought against intuition. He was just an ordinary guy. Or was he?
In the months to come, I overcame my fears and visited the doctor. I underwent three cardiac catheterization operations, and a successful triple-bypass surgery. Through them all, I knew I’d be al right.
Years have passed since that day. But the peace he projected has remained with me. God sent me comfort in a way I needed, in a form I could understand and trust--an ordinary-looking man. He gave me the courage and the confidence to take care of my health problems.
My angel.
And even though I can’t see him, I know he’s still watching. I know things are going to be all right.
How can I be so sure?
Because there’s still work for me to do. He told me so.
-Nancy Zeider "
― Jack Canfield , Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us: 101 Inspirational Stories of Miracles, Faith, and Answered Prayers
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us: 101 Inspirational Stories of Miracles, Faith, and Answered Prayers