Angels in our Midst

Twice, while trying to write a post about selfless service, my computer shut down. How frustrating. 'Why is this happening?', I thought. In retrospect, it was for good reason. What I wrote about loving kindness was too contrived and cliche, too forced. I labored over the words to get a point across, and when I smugly declared the piece to be viewer-ready and perfect, I lost it. I put it to rest. So while driving in the car today running some errands, the ideas flowed in a more natural way. Who has touched me with his kindness and presence in a lasting way? The answer is surprising....

I was in my early twenties and just out of college when I landed a job as a landscape architect for the city of Trenton. I looked like I was about fifteen years old, and boy was I in over my head. There was a freelance engineer, an older, rosy-cheeked, gray-haired man named Willis. I would have guessed him to be in his seventies. Not many people wore a seer-sucker suit and a flat-topped gentleman's straw hat, but Willis did. He looked like a throwback from the roaring 20's. He was understated and sweet, and had a quiet demeanor. There was a calming energy about him. Willis came in to make engineering changes and stamp and seal my work. The funny thing is, he was present in my life at the most crucial times. It was a difficult five years for me due to a crummy relationship and a mugging. Willis was a constant. He was supportive, with no agenda whatsoever. We made conversation, small talk, but never about our personal problems.

When I had my artwork on display in a local store, the owner said that the only person who had come to see my work was a cute man with a straw hat. I immediately knew it was Willis. I was surprised and thankful that he cared enough to take such an interest.

I left the job, got married, had kids, and moved away from Trenton. Willis was long forgotten - or so I thought. One night, it had to have been almost twenty years after I first met Willis, I had a dream which left me with a euphoric feeling. Willis appeared, very handsome with black hair. I would have guessed him to be in his mid-thirties... and he was glowing. "Willis, is that you?" I asked. "Joy, I've come to tell you that I love you," he answered. Time stopped. It was such a heart-opening experience that I did not doubt for one moment that it was Willis. I reflect on how important his presence in my life was and still is. I still think about him a lot. To me he represents unconditional love.

Here are some thoughts:

• Never underestimate the kindness of others.
• Imagine the impact that we have on other people's lives by our quiet presence and small acts of kindness.
• Reaching out in a small way is a huge gift.

Thank you to all of the angels in my life.