We always have a fine visit. He only comes to see us once a year so we try to pack as much joy into each visit as possible. We love to play games, laugh, talk and of course enjoy the animals while we have a chance. Helping each other feed them is a great delight. This visit lightens and brightens our year.

The little boy was born with a considerable handicap. They called him retarded and it is true that he was not quick of wit but he always wanted to please those he loved. He had a handy smile and was always a little chatterbox. He could talk for hours and it was very difficult for his family to remember that he had difficulties.

The time came when some life decisions had to be made for him and on the advice of the social workers and doctors, he was sent away to school. ‘If you want him to ever be able to function in this world, you have to send him away to school!’ they told his family.

Away at school, he was taught to write his name, understand traffic lights, do a few of the things we take for granted, in our day to day lives. When he left home, he already knew how to dress and feed himself. He did not need help to take a bath or get his ‘jammies on.

Once he was away from home, less was expected from him and his ‘social skills’ faltered. He talked too loud, ate as he pleased, sometimes using a fork or spoon, sometimes not. The longer he stayed away from home, the more difficult it was for him to fit in, even among his siblings.

He and his parents sat in the airport, he was going back to his ‘home’. So many were waiting that seats together were hard to come by and he sat across an aisle from his mom and dad. He sat beside an elderly lady and was telling her, loudly his entire history. The parents looked on, discomforted because they knew that not all took kindly to him and feared the lady would soon lose patience.

What had been looked over so many years ago, when he was eight, was looked at with curiosity at best and disdain at worst by the people gathered in the waiting room. Bored and tired of waiting, they were ready for any distraction. Heads turned to look at him and there were those who giggled uncomfortably and others who turned away, trying to pretend they did not see or hear.

"That your son?" The mom turned to look at a large full-bearded man seated beside her. He had sparkling eyes a very pleasant smile lighted his face. "Yes ", she replied. The dad began to explain some of the things the young man was saying. The smiling man said he would be happy to move over and make room for the boy to sit with them.

The dad motioned to the young man to come over. He seated himself between his mom and the large man. The man drew him out in conversation, he showed a real interest in what the boy had to say. Stories were told, laughter boomed out and those who seemed so uncomfortable before began also to smile. The man would tell a story and then the boy would add his version. There was no hint of an inferior or superior position.

The parents stood at the window and watched the plane rise into the air. They felt a wonderful sense of peace and comfort.

The son had flown away to the west, perhaps still sitting by the large bearded angel with the shine of love and acceptance on his face. His mom and dad were sure the boy would share all the details of his trip on his next yearly visit.

Have you ever had a visit from an angel? Ever been one? Next time you have an opportunity, try it out. Someone’s day may be changed, their outlook on life could even be altered. It might even be you who receives the blessing. Angels come in all shapes and sizes. Some even come as a large, friendly-faced bearded man.