Angels can come in many forms both Biblical as well as in the day-to-day people we come in contact with. The common denominator seemingly is that they all are here to protect us and/or enrich our lives.

In the context of the United Way, they are the 988 suicide hotline and 211 hotline counselors that support them as well as the communities they serve. Other angels are made up of the 911 agencies and other police, firemen, paramedics and those who actively respond to those in crisis.

Seemingly not as noticeable, yet of no less value are the day-to-day angels we meet in our daily lives. They are the ones who are the caregivers and those who volunteer their time, talents and energy to various causes or work for organizations that support and enrich society not for money or gain but simply because they have the desire to help and enrich the lives of their fellow man and all of God’s creatures as well as the environment.

In thinking of this topic, several recent encounters come to mind.

I recently had the pleasure of sharing with an elderly gentleman of color while we were waiting for our orders at a local Burger King Restaurant. During our conversation he asked me about myself. I indicated I was recently retired but was about to undertake the role of storyteller for the United Way of NEFL’s 988 Suicide Hotline unit.

The gentleman indicated he was well aware of the 988 Hotline as he was a mentor for young men (currently fourteen) many of whom struggled with one thing or another. He told me that one such young man who is now in his thirties, whom he had been mentoring for some time had a history of dealing with an acute anxiety disorder as well as a history of substance abuse and a difficult upbringing.

he added that at one point, in a state of despair, the young man indicated that he was considering committing suicide. After patiently and supportively engaging with the young man he asked, “If you follow through with your plan then how do you think it will affect your family and friends”? The young man responded saying “I’m sure they will get over it”. “Are you certain of that”, the mentor asked.

After some thought the young man replied, “I’m not sor sure of that now that I think about it”.

The elderly gentleman continued to mentor and encourage the young man who has not only begun to heal but is now thriving to the point where he is in the process of developing video promotional programs. had this angel not shown the care, love and support towards the young man his story could have ended up as a tragedy.

I have a friend in our neighborhood whom i have come to know, love and respect from our long walks and conversations. He has always struck me as not only a good father, family man and neighbor but also someone of deep compassion.

During a recent community yard sale, amongst other items, I placed most of my baseball card collection, which was quite extensive, up for sale. My friend ended up purchasing the entirety for what amounted to a goodly sum of money. I assumed he purchased it for his and his family’s enjoyment and as an investment.

During a future walk I asked my friend if he and his family were enjoying looking through the collection. I was both shocked and pleased when he responded saying, “No, I didn’t purchase the cards for myself but instead did so for a former mentor and friend who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. I knew he loves baseball and used to collect cards and though it might give him some joy and take his mind off of his problems”.

The above kinds of selfless acts are what I believe demonstrate that there truly are angels among us who present themselves in our daily lives and who’s joy in life is derived simply by knowing that they are helping to enrich the lives of others. These angels are out there and around us all We just need to take the time to look for them.

Hopefully their acts of kindness with help us to fine the angel within us.