Giving Gratitude For Angels Everywhere

Friends – This summer, I wrote this piece in memory of my son, Grant, and submitted it  to “Angels On Earth” magazine by Guideposts. I wanted to share it with you on his “Heaven Day” which is March 16. The painting was inspired by one of the angels that visited me in a dream shortly after he passed.  Thank you for all of you love, kindness and prayers as they have brought great comfort to our family since the passing of Grant. I appreciate you so much and I hope that you enjoy this piece. Blessings, Deana (Dee-na)

A floating feather arriving from above, a hug for a hurting heart, words written with healing hope, unexpected flowers from a friend, a song played to soothe sorrow; are all moments to remember and ponder about the possibility of angels. Are they among us? Do they come in the form of a believer prompted to provide faith, hope, and love?

Three days before my eighteen-year-old son’s sudden passing, I felt a nudge to learn about angels.

Perhaps God was preparing me to discover “earth angels” and “Heavenly angels” foreshadowing the unfortunate future.

It was not until my son was greeted into the arms of Jesus did I truly believe in angels both on earth and in Heaven.

As my son lay in the road being tended to by a team of emergency responders after accidentally being struck by a vehicle, a large burly firefighter with a curly mustache spoke words that brought direction and consolation as I was being thrust into a tragic situation.

He said in a southern drawl, “You are in my prayers”. He then broke protocol and told me that it was my son’s time to go. He explained that my young daughter had been removed from the accident scene by a friend and that I needed to find her so that she could say goodbye to her beloved brother. “God bless you” were the last words that I heard. They lingered in the dark night, lifting up the spirits of a sorrow stricken mother who was just beginning to endure the most unimaginable nightmare.

Courage and strength were displayed by my firefighting “earth angel” who looked more like a cowboy than a firefighter.

As my son was whisked away onto the care flight helicopter, I stood in the middle of the road with tears running down my face. My firefighting angel’s eyes locked onto mine, and I knew that the divine words he had just spoken had come from my Heavenly Father who was using this man to minister to me during a crisis.

My life as I knew it was forever changed that night, and a family of four suddenly shifted to a family of three for all to see. I was now on a mission to navigate to a new normal while surviving the life storm of loss.

As the residue of fog, forecasting continued grief and mourning, lingered in my mind, I began looking for God’s faithfulness by recording His presence in my journal.

As I captured my unexplainable encounters with angels on earth, I in turn felt encouraged to be an “earth angel” to others.

To pray when prompted.

To write words wrapped with compassion.

To hit the pause button on my day and encourage someone else walking in my shoes.

Sometimes reflecting the love of Christ as an angel on earth requires us to be bold and brave, but when we do, we bless others. In return, I believe that we will receive many blessings.

I was reassured during the long weeks after my son’s passing that earth angels were among me because many appeared, providing empathy and serving as a patchwork of love for my breaking heart.

However, I wondered if Heavenly angels really did exist. Were they only read about in books or seen in movies? Oh, how I desired to know if an angelic presence was possible. The thought of a guardian angel watching over my family was a welcomed vision, and I often found myself dreaming of my son in the presence of angels in his new home in Heaven.

Then one morning, as I was just beginning to awaken, I was greeted with the most majestic light I had ever seen. Accompanied by the rays was an overwhelming feeling of love, and radiating through the beams were two angels. They were brighter and whiter than imaginable and around them were the colors of the rainbow, illuminated with an iridescent quality. Inexplicably, I heard my son say, “Ma, Ma, It is me, Grant. I am healed and in Heaven. I love you!”

Grant’s voice and these angelic beings have brought a peaceful presence which I have held onto during my journey back to joy.

The mystery of angels on earth and in Heaven is one that I don’t understand, but perhaps rather than trying to make sense of these rare signs, I should just relish in their beauty. Today I give gratitude for angels everywhere and view them as a promise of the Lord’s presence, protection, and providence. Hugs to you! Deana (Dee-na)

By Deana McGarr, Copyright 2020