Suddenly, I felt a presence in the seat next to me. It was definitely male, a large male, and within seconds I recognized it as an angelic being. Oh no, what had I just said. “It doesn’t matter”, I heard him say. (telepathically) “Cursing usually means a human is in distress, it isn’t taken any more seriously than you meant it.” Well, that was a relief. Not that I curse like a sailor but those words can slip out sometimes. “Don’t worry, it’s no big deal, that is what summoned me.” I wasn’t aware that I had summoned anyone, especially by cursing.
“You are in distress, and I heard. You will make it home with no problem. If you like, I will ride with you” How could I turn down an offer like that?
Before I could ask the question, the answer came. “Just call me Angel Sam.” Odd name for an Angel, but that’s what he said. Then, “I have always served. In life I was a friar for many years: that was more than 200 years ago and I lived in both America and England, and left America to return to England due to trouble that was not of my making. Many of us lived cloistered lives lives rather than experience the kind of day to day stress you are dealing with now.”
The Wikipedia definition of a Friar states, “Friars differ from monks in that they are called to live the evangelical counsels (vows of poverty, chastity and obedience) in service to a community, rather than through cloisteredasceticism and devotion. Whereas monks live in a self-sufficient community, friars work among laypeople and are supported by donations or other charitable support.[1] A monk or nun makes their vows and commits to a particular community in a particular place. A friar in making vows commits to a community spread across a wider geographical area (a province), and so they will typically move around, spending time in different houses of the community within the province.”
I was curious about Angel Sam, and how exactly he found me on the rainy interstate. Again, before I could ask the question, he replied, “This is what I do, help those in distress: usually women, children sometimes, men. Most of them are in far greater distress than you. You in fact, are quite lucky. I am in attendance with many victims of automobile accidents, and some of them are fatal.” I felt very lucky, and he continued, “We are always there, watching, listening, waiting to be of service. You are never alone” Again, the questions were forming in my mind and he already had the answers. “We cannot intervene.” So, you can’t stop an accident? “We cannot intervene, unless we are called,” he continued. “Sometimes, we whisper in their ear. Most people are unaware.” This was something to think about. “You are aware and sometimes you can hear us.” I made a note to listen more often and not forget.
“The world is full of human misery of all types-it has always been this way. Much human misery is brought on by the individuals themselves, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Divorce, unhappy, unhealthy relationships, conflict with others that can be avoided by mastering the lower emotions. This is some of the greatest misery man knows, and it is unfortunate as much of it can be avoided. Self mastery is the most important thing a human can achieve.”
“But, we are always here-thousands, millions of us just waiting to be called. It is what we do. I serve those in crisis on the interstates and roads. You, actually have no real crisis, but you called.”
Time was flying by, and I was minutes from my exit. I didn’t want to go home now. The rain had stopped as quickly as it began. I felt Angel Sam would soon depart. I had the impression of a young Mexican woman in great distress, probably a wreck. “Yes, she will need me, but it is ok for now, others are with her. I will ride with you to your exit.” If you need to go…”No, I will accompany you the entire trip, as I said I would.” I felt very grateful.
I cannot thank you enough, I told him. How can I repay you? “Your gratitude is enough, and spread the glad tidings that we are always here.” I was almost at my exit. Will I ever see you again? “I don’t really know, I hope not on the interstate!” He does have a sense of humor. “Perhaps, it’s hard to say.” I was at my exit now. You must go, I think she needs you. “Yes, it is time.” He was gone, and I was almost home. The skies were clear now and the Sun was shining brightly wiping away all traces of the recent storm.
Perhaps Angel Sam is smiling now. We only have to ask-they are always there. (2011)