'fallen angel'

There was an old man that many ridiculed and ignored because they felt he was an outcast from society. He was an alcoholic and this alone kept many people at a distance. Few would even take the time to get to know him. The old man didn't have many family members left and the ones that were left didn't visit often, if ever. He would sit all alone on his front porch, day after day. He had once been married, but his wife died at an early age. He never had children. He seemed to find solace in drinking his problems away. The old man eventually met a woman and she became a very close companion to him. She also was an alcoholic. In a strange way, they were a comfort to each other. Sadly, her life was cut short by a tragic accident. She had been drinking heavily and was all alone, smoking a cigarette. Her home burned down with her in it. Once again, the old man was alone. In his younger years the old man knew a little girl who always remembered him, especially at Christmas time. She saw past his shortcomings and looked into his heart and saw a warmth that no one else could see. His eyes would shine with joy when she visited. One Christmas she had gotten a baby doll and the man held her doll with tears streaming down his face. As young as she was she knew he must be hurting terribly and probably felt a great loss not ever having children of his own. Every chance the little girl got she would visit the old man. He always gave her pop. She would say, just a small glass, please. He would always insist on the whole bottle. This happened with each and every visit. He delighted in hearing her tales. He would listen intently on every word. Sometimes he would have her repeat her stories over and over. The little girl grew up and in her adult years still remembered and visited this old man. Every Christmas card she ever sent was proudly displayed. Her kindness and warmth touched him in a way no one else ever would. It was as if just this one person remembering him made the difference in his life. The old man lived until his early 70's. He was alone, sleeping in his bed and suffered a massive heart attack. He died instantly. Ironically, the now-grown woman got a call that afternoon telling her of his death. She had been feeling as if something bad had happened all day. She had been outside enjoying a beautiful, clear blue sky. The sky turned black and sad grey clouds had taken their place. This only lasted about fifteen minutes. It was after this that she had received the call. She realized that when the sky had darkened was when the old man had died. She was very saddened and felt a great loss, but then an indescribable peace came over her when she realized at last this old man that so many had abandoned and judged would be loved and accepted in another life. He would no longer be the "fallen angel", but God's angel. Written February 11th, 2002 © on Feb 11 2002 09:53 AM PST, Kathy D    0 • 13