I Believe in Angels...

It had been a long day—a  long year for that matter. It just seemed so hard to feel the Christmas spirit. There seems to be so many things pulling me from the true focus of the season.  Trying to keep a merry face on for my kids was getting difficult. I was tired.

I had just put the last of my overtired, over loaded, over excited, Christmas seasoned and well past “cooked” children to bed -- when the moment happened...

A car ride home from my daughter’s eight o’clock soccer game at Forekicks in Foxboro was what finished off my youngest child. That – and – George Michael’s “Last Christmas” playing on the radio is what sent my three year old over the edge.

Mr. sweet Liam gone sour -- had certainly hit his breaking point.  He made it quite clear to all of those in the minivan that he was not a fan of Christmas music any more.

The tantrum and ranting that accompanied our ride home that night seemed endless. No holiday joy here.

There was no consoling the child. My hope was that he would fall asleep due to exhaustion as we continued our journey homeward. 

We arrived at home and everyone was sent to their rooms to get ready for bed. Surprisingly .. all but one went willingly.

With his face wrinkled and his lips pursed Liam growled “I hate that song. It is sad. I hate music. I want it quiet. No more songs… stupid songs…”  And as I recover from all the “hates and stupids” used by my three year old in his tyrade  --  Liam rolls over and pulls his blue blankie up over his head.

I attempt to tuck him in but shake my head in defeat and decide to walk out of the kiddos bedroom when I hear his little voice again. “Mom are there any angel songs? I think I would like angel songs. Angels seem nice and quiet. Angels are happy right? Angels are real - like seagulls are real right?  Do angels like Christmas? Do you believe in angels Mom?”

Liam’s face is still half hidden under his favorite blanket, and all that is seen are his bright blue eyes peering hopefully up at me from his bed.

My night -- it seemed --  was not going to end anytime soon. I back up and returned to Liam’s bedside.

I knelt down beside him and look upon his little sleepy face. “Of course there are angel songs Liam. I like angel songs too. That is how angels work Liam – they bring joy, peace and quiet. I am positive angels love Christmas.”

Liam is extremely satisfied with my response. He sleepily grins from ear to ear and holds his arms out so that he is able to wrap them around my neck gently. As I lean into his hug he whispers in my ear, “I am glad you like Angels Mom. Angels are awesome.”

And as my boy drifted calmly off to sleep I thought of all the things I wanted to say to him about angels. How I picture them as warriors. Dressed in Armor… Divine protectors. How I believe they walk among us, to bring us perspective and joy and peace.  Angels work without personal motive, they are selfless, they are good.

Angels are everywhere. I have seen them in my family members,  I have seen them in our schools working with my children, I have seen them bring meals and make prayer shawls, I see them helping without being asked, I see them visiting a sick friend and honoring her journey, I see them as they raise anothers family as if they were their own… I see them take the difficult road in order to make it easier for someone else...

Oh yes Liam..

I believe in angels.