An Angel’s Story-Remembering a brave little poet, Mattie Stepanek

13 years ago, God sat idly chatting with one of his Angels

about the condition of the world.  As the conversation

progressed, the Angel said, Master, “Let me go down and

see what I can do.”  The Lord was hesitant, not that he didn’t

think the Angel could help, but he knew he would miss him

if he were to leave.

After thinking for a while, he reluctantly gave his consent.

And so the Angel was sent.  Before he left God cautioned,

“Remember, it will only be for a little while.

When I say it’s time, you must return

immediately.”  The angel, smiled and said, “All I need

is a little time.” “One last thing,” said the Lord.  “When

you go down you will be human just like everyone else.

Because the body you will be using is imperfect, you will

Have to suffer great pain.  Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

Once again, the Angel replied, “Yes.”

So it was, God sent an angel child to dwell with us for a while.

He was a brilliant light that brightened the night, a shining star

That could be seen from afar.   He was a beacon of hope for

all, large and small. 

His light brightened the world of every boy and girl, but

Especially those who were sick like him.  They were special

To him and he was special to them.  They were the only ones

That could see his wings.  They knew he was an angel.  It was

Their little secret.  He talked to them about his special assignment,

And about his home in heaven.  He always told them, “One day

I must return.”  “I know you will miss me, but it’s important that

You not be sad for me.”  “It’s where I’m supposed to be.”

In his short stay on this earth, the Angel, worked hard to spread

His message of love to the world.  He became known by many

Through his poetry.  He touched us all through his pen. 

As the years went by, the Angel grew physically weaker and weaker,

But his spirit never changed.  He still had that special light in his eyes.

The day finally came, when God said, “It’s time for your return.”  The Angel

Was so weak that he could hardly reply, but he summoned up the

Strength to say, “ I’m ready to come home.”

Having done all he was sent to do, on June 26^th, the Angel finally

went home.

I wrote An Angel's Story immediately after hearing of Mattie's death.

When I heard of Mattie's departure,  I knew God had finally

sent for him.  Mattie, regretfully, I bid you adieu, and in the words of Sinatra,

I would like to say, “I’ll be seeing you.”

A champion is…
Someone who overcomes challenges
Even when it requires creative solutions.
A champion is an optimist,
A hopeful spirit…
Someone who plays the game,
Even when the game is called life…
Especially when the game is called life

 Words of Mattie, as wrtten in UK Mail Online Article, November 27, 2010

From my Perspective---Enough!

It is easy to sit back and point the finger, to accuse, pontificate and spread hate.
If you look at things with an objective eye, you cannot deny that President Obama
did all he could to change the wrongs in this country.  As, we all know, and as the
saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day."  We cannot expect all our problems
to magically go away.   Why is he expected to accomplish more than any
other President was able to accomplish?   Especially, in light of the fact, from day one,
he has been blatantly disrespected, mistreated and downright denied the privileges of the office.
I believe President Obama, in spite of having his hands tied behind his back,
has worked a miracle.   By all intents and purposes, he was alone.  He did not have
the respect or the support he was due as President of the United States.  The sad
part, is that the petty behavior and the spectacles we all have witnessed during
his presidency, seems to have set a tone for the nation.    When will it stop?
How much are we willing to risk with this irrational, childish behavior?  To put it bluntly,
Are we willing to risk America?   Because, that is exactly what we stand to lose.