The Guardian

Who doesn't love angels? I have devoured all things angel for years. I love to hear personal stories and I like to share them, too.

When I was in my early 20's, I lived in an apartment by myself for the first time in Kansas City. I thought my meager pay was a big deal and I drove a modest car that was an even bigger deal to me.

One cold winter night I was driving through a part of the city that very few people live in. It was an industrial area, run down and dark. Zipping along the highway under a bridge, heat blasting, music playing- everything came to a slow halt. The road was empty as my little car died in the middle. Sudden chill crept in and back in those days I had no cell phone. I sat there for a minute in the dark and the quiet and muttered some panicked words. Not remembering specifics- it was probably something like, "Oh God, what do I do??".

In my rear view mirror I saw the lights. Coming up behind me slowly. I didn't see police lights on top and I got scared. Really scared. A person got out and I couldn't tell if they were man or woman. "Why don't you warm up in my car until help comes" the voice said. And I did it. I didn't even think twice. In my normal, everyday life I would never do anything like that. I would sit and freeze in the car rather than go with a stranger. Was I just young and naive??

Sitting in the woman's car (yep, determined the sex) I kept my eyes straight forward-focusing on my dead car ahead of us. She was a smoker and the air was thick mixed with the heat. Country music played on the radio. I haven't got a clue how the tow truck arrived nor how long it took. I have very little memory of this night. But I do recall something terribly relevant. As I was bailing out of this woman's car that night she said, "Oh, let me give you my card". I accepted the card, thanked her profusely and went on my way. In the safety of my apartment that night I read the business card. The mystery woman owned an angel store many, many miles away. At that moment, it all became clear.

Happy Feast of the Guardian Angels to all!