Angel Lady
51Blessings In The Mire
From November of 1994 until March of 1997, she was Salt Lake City's original Angel Lady. With long red hair, marine-green eyes, and a calm demeanor, she was more than the sole proprietor of the Angel Emporium. She was a goddess with a following of eager customers.
The position suited her. She appeared to be the angel in residence, and it was her energy that attracted the clientelle. Folks flocked to her for advice, for guidance, for spiritual awareness, for secret messages sent from beyond the grave. Not that she advertised herself as such. It was just a label that came with the title of celestial propritress.
Late one summer morning, I believe it was the time of July celebrations, she received horrifying news. Her son was dead.
The store was closed for several days. A lone sign hung in the window. "Death In Family" was all it said.
We knew her well, this Angel Lady. Yet we did not know her at all. She ceased to be available to listen to our worldly woes. She closed the shop on time. No longer were we allowed access to her personal time. She neglected us. She would not let us in. She was removed to her sanctuary and we were not allowed access. This goddess had previously allowed us the luxury of her time, her personal space. Now, we were forbidden. Even as we brought flowers and gift baskets of well wishes, even as we sent sympathy through cards, even as we knocked on her door with fresh food prepared with good intent, we were not allowed. She simply did not answer.
We saw her one day. She escaped through the back door, as our front proddings went ignored, again.
Eventually, she returned. She helped others to hold on to the strand of life when they felt like snipping the line. And then, too soon, she was gone.
She loaded a U-haul and headed towards warmer sunsets, towards anonymity. She wrote a book, we're told. Something about finding the Blessings In The Mire.
We found her in the pages of that book. Somehow still as warm, as calm, yet also still absent and removed from our grasp.
We miss her presence at the Angel Emporium. But we are truly blessed to have found her in the pages of Blessings In The Mire.
Blessings In The Mire
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
Thank you for sharing your sweet words. Now I will be searching for Dorie's book.
Much love and light to you! Jan
Jan,
Got it, it was Dorie D'Angelo...appropriate!
Jan,
I don't mean to pry, but it seems that you ARE the angel lady? I only ask because you mentioned that she lost her son? It's none of my business and you can just ignore this but, since I am a mom who lost her 30-year-old daughter a year and a half ago, I wondered if she is you, how are you doing? It's beyond the worst thing ever and there are so many people here who have lost an adult child, and they are all wonderful people.
Anyway, ignore this if you would rather not discuss it, I totally get it!
MP
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a child is the worst possible experience. With the death of John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son Jett making headlines, it really brings that loss to the surface. Every once in a short while I think the tears are dried up...then, something triggers an emotion, a memory. We are, I am afraid, members of a club we would never have chosen to join. May your love always over power your loss. Warmest Regards,AL
AL,
Everything around me, on some days, triggers the memories. I miss my sweet girl every day but, as you know, some days are more difficult than others. May we find strength, love and light to surround us in this new year so that we can be here completely for those who need us.
Madison
A very touching story. A loss of a dear one is something that is very difficult to overcome. But we need to be still available for sharing our love with those who are still around us.
Life sucks sometimes...sorry for the thoughtless word...but I feel so lost and you are so strong...I feel sorrow and you bring happiness...I feel lonely and you seem so friendly...I feel weak and you are strength...I wonder why? God Love you my dear...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Life does "suck" sometimes, and I rather think that the word is appropriate as well as concise when describing loss. It does "SUCK" to lose a loved one, to have a parent become the child, to open bills when the income is spent.... There are days when I want nothing to do with the world. Some nights I wake in mid-dream and contemplate.... I am lost as you are, and I am "so strong" at other moments just as you are. I do love to laugh, and that does not mean I do it often. I "feel sorrow" just as you do, and I'm betting that you "bring happiness" to many folks too. Your HUBS are proof of your wit and charm and friendliness. I am so happy to meet you here, and I sincerely look forward to your friendship. Be blessed and know that what you see in others is a part of you. You and I are both all of the emotions in the spectrum ~sweet and not-so-sweet~. THAT'S what makes us so wonderful. Embrace the pain, and focus on the love. That's how we humans get through.
xo
JD
Madison Parker says:
14 months ago
What a sweet story! When I moved here to Carmel 33 years ago, there was an angel lady here. Her name was Dorie; I can't remember her last name. She wrote a book, one of the very first that I can remember, called "living with angels." I notice several of this name on Amazon but they are not Dorie's.
Dorie held angel meetings, and our local bookstore couldn't keep enough copies on the shelf. I loaned my copy to someone and I'll have to hunt around in my shelves to see if I ever got it back.
Dorie passed away some years back and Carmel will never quite be the same without her. I wonder how many other towns have their own Angel Lady's? Thank you for the beautiful article.
Madison