Standing in line at a local fast food place with my girlfriend, I had had a rough week.  My life had been falling apart around me for some time now and I was pretty close to hitting bottom as I never had before.  It was a gloomy day to top it off.  Even as I inspire others, I still have to go through whatever letting go is necessary to get to my next best level.  I honor the process, yet as for everyone else, it can be challenging to maintain a positive outlook at times.

As we stood there, waiting for our order, I noticed an elderly man in the next line who looked familiar.  He reminded me of a leprachaun. He was a small man, with a medium and average build, probably in his late 70’s.  His wrinkled, surprisingly tanned face, for a February day, and twinkling eyes attracted my attention.  I had seen him before, a few times, in other fast food places in the neighborhood.

He noticed us and his eyes lit up as they acknowledged our presence.  Once he had finished placing his order, he turned to us and handed each of us a card, with an impish smile, as if he had the secret to the Universe.  The card said “here’s a hug.”

Then I remembered, every time I have seen him, this man has approached me to say some compliment or wonderful tidbit of loving encouragement.  One time, he told me I was beautiful.  One time, he thanked me for my smile.  Another, he offered me a small piece of candy – always with that impish smile – giving me a gift of love and appreciation that was so innocent and sweet.

We chatted for a brief moment and then I opened my arms to him and offered a deep, heartfelt embrace in gratitude for his gift.  He seemed a bit surprised, but allowed himself to be enfolded in my arms.  He only stayed there for the few awkward  “appropriate” moments between strangers, but I think he took it in, for he smiled shyly when we parted and he seemed happy.

My friend and I headed out, joyful, forgetting our troubles for that golden moment, smiling and feeling as though we had exchanged something truly valuable with this magickal man.

I call this man the neighborhood angel.  I am grateful that always at some necessary time, this man shows up to gift me with the loving angel that he is.

As I share this with you here, I will keep this story in my wallet, so that if I ever run into this angelic being again, I can share with him the beauty and impact of his soul and life upon mine.  He needs to know, if he doesn’t already.

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