An Angel in the House

I am in the very early stage of grief. On April 2nd my brother Mark died suddenly at age 59 of a heart attack. We truly believed that he was the healthiest one in the family, so his death was a shock as well as a reminder of the fragility of life. During this time of sadness I found a poem by Pat Schneider to be especially comforting. I will share it with you.

Is there an angel in the house?
If there is,
come to me…
and if you aren’t too tired,
or otherwise occupied,
and if it isn’t too tacky a request,
please rock me.
I am bruised.
If you hold me until morning,
I promise I will rise and light the fire
and break the bread and put back on my shoulder
my corner of the world.
But for now I could use the shelter of a wing.
Excuse me,
Excuse me,
Is there an angel in the house?

Life sometimes brings difficulties that leave us bruised. I am comforted by a living God who heals and rocks me with many advocates. I have been rocked by friends, family, flowers, a beautiful memorial service with words of encouragement and amazing music, notes of encouragement, hugs and yes, the shelter of angel wings.

Grief is a complicated process and experienced differently for each individual. Loss comes to each of us in many different experiences of life. Each can leave us bruised. Consider… regardless of your belief system…to take the time to heal and be open to being rocked by those who care about you. There just may be an angel in the house.

Kay Higgins
Pastoral Associate