MY LITTLE ANGEL

The gentle breeze blew as I sat on our porch one night late in August. The stars were gleaming brightly as I gazed up at them. Each star’s light a little dimmer or brighter then it’s neighbors. The old screen door squeaked as my little Jody quietly peaked out. She was almost five and oh so sweet. “Mommy,” she whispered, “Are you Ok?” The cool air seemed to absorb her little voice.


“Honey, I am fine but shouldn’t you be in bed,” I asked.


“But Mommy, I can’t sleep,” she said in a quiet voice. I stood up calmly and walked towards her. “Do you need another story,” I asked.


“I had a dream,” she said, as she opened the screen door and stepped onto the porch. I put my arm around her. “Do you want to tell me about your dream,” I asked. She nodded a yes, than we took a seat on the top step of our old white porch.


“I was in heaven with Jesus,” she began. “We were standing in a cloud talking, than he walked to an opening in the cloud. He said, “Come look.” When I looked into the hole, I saw a blond haired girl almost my age. She was smiling and happy. She shined like an angel, pure and bright, but soon she started growing older. Her smile faded away and a frown appeared. Tears filled her eyes and I could tell she was very sad. Her hair had darkened and her spirit dimmed.


“Mommy,” Jody interrupted, “I knew her, but I don’t know how.” She continued, “Jesus said I needed to find this little girl. He said more to me but I can’t remember what else he said.”


After my sweet daughter finished, I felt the tears swelling in my eyes, and chills went up my spine. “Mommy, are you ok? Is something wrong,” she asked compassionately.


“No, Dear Jody, nothing is wrong. You are so sweet. That was an interesting dream. Would you like me to write it down for you, so you can remember it? Are you going to be able to sleep now” I asked.


“Yes Mommy,” she said, “I will. I love you!”


“I love you too. I’ll come tuck you in, in a minute,” I told her.


Once Jody disappeared into the house, I began thinking about my childhood. I hadn’t thought of it for years. I remember being a happy child, though circumstances weren’t the best. My parents tried really hard working for something better.


All at once the memory hit me. My throat was in a knot and the tears started to stream down my face. I remembered a little blond haired girl about my daughter’s age. I knew her once, a long time ago. “Why would Jody have a dream about her,” I thought.


However, soon I put the thoughts of the little girl in the back of my mind. It wasn’t a big concern of mine, but Jody continued to search.


A few months after her dream, our small family went to a Christmas concert of my little sister’s. Jody loved music and she listened intently. The choir sang, “What Child Is This?” Dear Jody listened so closely to every word.


She turned to me and smiled sweetly. I looked over at my husband, who was trying not to fall asleep. Then suddenly, Jody said, in excitement, “Mommy, Mommy, I see her. I see her.” She was looking directly at me. “Mommy,” she said, “she’s you. I didn’t see her before but she’s you.”


After the concert, I went to read Jody a story. She seemed concerned, “Is there something you need to talk about,” I questioned.


“Mommy, who made you sad,” she asked.


“What do you mean,” I replied.


“Who made you sad? Who made you hide who you were,” intently she questioned.


I didn’t know what to say. “I can’t remember,” I told her. I brushed her hair back with my fingers, kissed her forehead, and turned off the lights before I left.


Then I wondered, “Why did I forget myself?” I had been missing but didn’t even realize I was lost. I wandered out to the porch and thought. I sat at the top of the stairs, and watched the sun set. I thought of my childhood. I had gone through a lot of trails, but there were a lot of good memories. Those priceless years of my childhood were spent in poverty and neglect. However, I hadn’t known until I went to school, I supposedly was less.


I watched the stars come out, as the sun continued going down. I looked up at them. How interesting that they all sparkle different but they all sparkle! It’s kind of like people. We may look different but it doesn’t mean we are less a person. We are all still valuable, even if are value isn’t as visible as another. Sometimes, people even hide their value because they are afraid if they show it someone will try to take it from them. Dear Jody helped me realize that. I looked up to say thanks for my little angel. The tears shimmered in the moonlight and all the stars shined bright. I knew no one was better then another.