Our Better Angels

When we refer to people on earth who are angels, we refer to folks who are generally sweet, loving and kind. Anyone with any amount of decency can be kind. But what of those poor souls whose lives are ravaged by war or whose childhood has left them shattered or paralyzed with fear? What of children emotionally, physically or sexually abused again and again and again, who then (instead of turning to drugs or alcohol for solace) decide to conquer the bitterness that must have consumed them? There are special people in this world - earth angels - who do not let war, rape, or any other trauma define them or destroy what remains of their life. They walk among us, offering smiles to strangers willing service or unsolicited and anonymous donations to those in need. Somehow they find a way to forgive the unforgivable and to salvage from the wreckage of their tormented lives an incredible fortitude of spirit. Like the blade of a fine sword forged in the hottest fire, they become stronger than those with plastic souls who never experience real trials. Unlike other people who experience torture, they are able to rise above their feelings of hate, self-pity or desire for revenge. These rare spirits are stronger for what they have endured. They radiate empathy, and surprisingly, they wear a halo of cheerfulness. They are resolute, for they know their purpose on this earth, and it is divine. Beautiful, rare and precious, they are our better angels.