Wednesday 12 October 2011

An encounter with an Angel :)


                                  "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for by so doing
some have unwittingly entertained angels."~ Hebrews 13:2 ~

We dropped out youngest son off at uni 3 weeks ago, and although all we ever wanted was for our children to be healthy, happy and reach for their dreams, always knowing that one day they would step out into the big wide world and follow their own path and journey through life. I always knew that you only borrow your children, but it did not stop me feeling like I had both my arms removed. Suddenly tearful and feeling redundant I shed a few tears
knowing that its my time now to rediscover me, and also like the gang carve out a new path just as they are. I am lucky as many people do not have the opportunity to have the creativity I experience, which overflows into so many aspects of my life. I have always worked in the world of art and I know I am very charmed to be able to do so.
The Sunday after my son went to uni I went off to North Norfolk once again. A great leveller for me and the big skies free my mind. I also sail my paper boats here. I had 2 to sail this day, and when I had found a suitable spot I sent them onto the gentle waves carrying their special messages across the ocean. I watched them until they were no longer in sight.
The sky had started to turn and promised a lovely sunset. I walked back along the beach and back onto the edge of the prom. I turned back to admire the sky  when I heard someone say "Are you here for the sunset?" I turned to see an elderly lady in a motorised wheelchair, she was beautifully dressed and made up and had the most amazing smile. She reached her hand out and touched my arm and said "You only have your children in trust you know?" A tear appeared in the corner of my eye and words became stuck in the back of my throat. I nodded in agreement and went on to tell her that the last had flown the nest....how did she know I wondered?
She then briefly told me her story, how her bones were crumbling and she was on morphine, but still took all life had to offer. She involved herself in many projects and also travelled extensively, along with being as creative as she could, her hands did not now let her do her beloved wood turning, she found other ways to keep herself busy and active. She had just come back from Australia, her and her husband (who by now was chatting to mine) still drove, took days out, loved going for romantic meals and also sold all she made at farmers and craft markets, and that was the tip of the iceberg!
As the sky turned a deep red and orange she said it was my turn now to take life and embrace it....or I could just sit around do nothing and wait for God... you know her words totally struck home. I could sit in my now empty silent house dwelling on the past of ghosts of children laughing, playing and following me around like puppies, but those days will never happen again. So I owe her as well as myself some....well lots of me time, to be active, get my mojo back and rediscover who I am. I have had a few years now of hiding away, not ever knowing whether I will find light at the end of the tunnel......She then smiled at me and said they had better be on their way as her husband was not so good at standing for long periods of time now days....after all she finished up with.....he is now 92 and I am 91!!!!! you know as she and her hubby went on their merry way and vanished into the distance I was left behind with a sense of well being....I did wonder if she was an angel that had returned to earth to show me the new path  I should now tread.
Three weeks later and her face stays with me as do her words, already opportunities are coming my way and I am looking forward to another new creative journey....I wonder who she is helping now with her inspiring words of wisdom?

 If you seek an angel with an open heart, you shall always find one.

So a little melancholy tonight but sending with hugs 4 smiles to you all M xx