Did you know that August 22 was National Be an Angel Day? This day encourages good deeds and kindness to others. Again, this is one of those days that should be EVERY DAY and we should not need a special day for it.
That being said, I believe angels are all around us. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by angels who don’t have wings, but instead fur and four legs. These furry angels have rescued me from more bad moods and down days than I can ever count. And what do they ask for in return? Nothing but kindness and love (and a few treats or kibble)! I always tell my fur babies they are angels from heaven and I can’t imagine going through life without them.
This next poem was dedicated to these angels (and heroes!) who rescue us on a daily basis and was inspired by an act of kindness that helped someone out of a bad situation.
I was walking into a store one day and it had started sprinkling. A young mother was trying to load a bulky item into her car while managing a toddler in the cart and a baby on her arm. I could tell she was getting frustrated, as she couldn’t manage to get this item into her car with her one free arm. As I was passing by, I casually asked if I could give her a hand. She said, “Oh my goodness, you’re my hero.” I helped her out and she graciously thanked me and I went on my way. I certainly didn’t think of myself as a hero, and it was really no impact at all to my day, but it made a huge difference in her day, and in her attitude.
We never know how our small gestures will help someone else out, and hopefully they’ll pay it forward by being kind to someone else, or helping out if they see a situation. When I started writing this poem and realized what a bad day this woman in the poem was having, I couldn’t think of anything better for her to come home to than a wagging tail begging to go for a walk. She’s really not in the mood, but she can’t refuse that furry face. Later on, getting into bed, she’s greeted by her purring kitty, and is finally able to put the bad day behind her. Animals have such a calming effect on us. That’s the main reason so many animals are used as therapy animals and brought into hospitals to comfort those who are sick. They truly are angels without wings. Many people say that when we adopt an animal we “rescue” them. I think it’s the other way around. They are the ones who rescue us.
I have always told my fur babies they are angels from heaven. When they pass on, or another pet parent has to say goodbye to their fur baby, I always say that we just borrow them for a little while and then we have to give them back to heaven. It doesn’t make it any easier, and our hearts still break, but I wouldn’t give up one day of love from them, despite knowing what the future holds.
This next poem is about those heroes and angels who save us every day with their random acts of kindness or unconditional love, possibly without even realizing it. Hopefully we can be a hero to someone else as we pay it forward.
“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” —Basil of Caesarea
Angels and Heroes
She comes home late one night
And opens up the door.
She is focused on a glass of wine,
But he is rolling on the floor.
With leash between his teeth
And tail wagging behind,
He rubs his head against her leg;
Motivation she must find.
She’s tired and she’s angry;
Many challenges today.
But his furry face and pleading eyes
Soon make it go away.
On her way to work that day
She had fallen on some ice.
Three young boys rushed to her aid;
They were so polite and nice.
They helped her to her feet
And made sure she was okay.
She thanked them and waved goodbye,
As they continued on their way.
Then a little while later
Her boss called her aside.
She had missed an important deadline;
She was mortified.
She felt the tears well in her eyes
As she rushed out of the room.
Her co-workers came to lend support
And chase away the gloom.
Feeling better, she was able
To finally complete the task.
Her colleagues jumped in to help,
Although she did not ask.
On her way home, she made a stop
To pick up a salad and some beer.
Her bag broke in the parking lot;
Her goods spilled everywhere.
A woman quickly ran to help
And clean up all the mess.
Her nerves were frayed, and anger built
As she tried to fight the stress.
She was thankful for the woman,
As she wished her a good night.
But putting this day behind her
Was definitely in her sight.
One more stop to fuel up
And she felt frustration build,
As the pump did not shut off in time,
And all that fuel spilled.
The young man behind the counter
Came out with wipes to clean
The side of her car that was now consumed
With the smell of gasoline.
She tried to keep her patience in check
And smile through it all,
But her goodwill and calm nature
Had finally hit the wall.
And now she’s home, and he is there,
With his tail wagging.
She knows she must take care of him,
Although her will is lagging.
“Come on, let’s go,” she says to him
As they start off on their stroll;
The tensions of the day subsiding . . .
Though they’ve taken a toll.
She feels better as they walk
And he sniffs each blade of grass,
And finds a thrill, his tail wagging,
With each hydrant that they pass.
He is such a simple creature
And yet he brings such joy,
As they get home and he bounces over
With his favorite toy.
Later on, getting into bed
She starts to hear a purr.
Kitty has climbed on the bed
And snuggled next to her.
She cuddles him and he purrs louder,
Expressing his content,
As she thinks about her struggles,
And how badly the day went.
But the one bright spot in her day
Is that she learned a lesson;
And putting things in a positive light
Has tampered her aggression.
She thought about the strangers
Who stepped forward to assist,
And the animals whose furry faces
She could not resist.
She learned that despite challenges
That sometimes a day brings,
Not all heroes put on capes . . .
And not all angels have wings.
-K.A. Bloch-
