angels in our midst

Today a miracle happened. They happen every day, or at least on a regular basis--this I am certain of--though most times we're not even aware of them. But sometimes, like today, BAM! They happen in a way they can't be missed.

Driving home from work this afternoon, I let my mind wander to Christmas. Usually I have my shopping done by October. Not this year. In fact, I wasn't even gainfully employed in October.

Thus far, I'd only bought Z's gift, and a small thing for L and J. Since I have stayed out of debt for 3 1/2 years now, I was dreading having to pull out a long unused credit card to buy Christmas. I knew while the (stupid) credit card was out I was going to have to pay my (stupid) tuition with it as well. Seeing as how it's the last week of class and all, I figured that should be taken care of. I'd hoped for enough income from a design job I'm working on weekends to go towards both Christmas and tuition, but then my (stupid) van needed (stupid) new tires....and there went all that money I'd saved (though I must insert my brother-in-law was able to get me a MUCH better deal on tires than the place down the street, so I can't complain too much. See...miracles! :) ).

Anyway, I didn't like the situation but was grateful I had the means--even if not ideal ones--to take care of it. Then a deep impression came to me: Don't worry. It's going to get taken care of.

Yeah, I thought. I'm going to go  home and pay for stuff with my credit card (once I remember where I put it). It's going to get taken care of. You're right. Thanks!

Then I got home and there was a UPS envelope waiting for me. And in it...a generous amount of money from some anonymous angels in Southern California, accompanied by the most beautiful letter expressing their belief in me and in my boys, and asking that we accept their gift with graciousness and the understanding it was their pleasure to give.

Miracle.

A BAM! kind of miracle.

The amount is enough to cover my tuition, take care of Christmas, AND cover the expenses my paycheck doesn't for two months.

I stood simultaneously laughing and weeping at the kitchen counter, the boys taking note and running over to ask what was wrong. I read the letter to them through my tears, and we all shared a big hug. If you'd run some background music and faded out slowly, it would have been like the happy ending to a holiday movie. Only it was real. My real.

Anonymous angels--thank you. From the bottom of my  heart. My words feel so inadequate. You have no idea just what you've done for the boy squad and me. Not only financially, but the impression you have left spiritually. My children won't soon forget what it means to give, even when it's uncomfortable--for truly there are a lot of things you could have purchased for yourself with what you gave to us. We won't forget. Ever.

There have been many angels at work in my life over the last several years. Angels who fix computers, or blow out sprinkler lines in winter, or clean up the giant branch that falls off my tree, or repair bike tires, or help me with my lawnmower. Angels who show up at my house late at night to visit and just tell me they're happy I'm around. And now the angels who saved Christmas and kept me from going into credit card debt.

I know that prayers aren't always met with such rapid miracles. Trust me, I know.  But, you know what...sometimes they are. Believe. And do your best to act the part of an angel every day, too.
--

 (p.s. The angels specifically mentioned I get/do something for myself. I'm going to bring back our Netflix subscription so we can finish watching all the episodes of Top Gear and Yo Gabba Gabba. I may also treat my werewolf toes to a pedicure :) )