Angels on High

"May those who serve you constantly in heaven keep our lives safe from all harm on earth." ~ Opening Prayer today on the Feast Day of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Nineteen years ago today we held a memorial service for my sister. I still remember pacing in my apartment that morning. I stepped out into the shared foyer at some point. At the time I was living in a house in which my landlord had an office on the first floor that often had one of the men who worked for him, sitting in it. This day was no different. The man looked at me and told me that I should hurry to a local automotive store. I looked at him in puzzlement. He responded with “ They have a sale on shock absorbers.” To this day, I appreciate his attempt to make me laugh and his ability to name what was going on for me.

I always thought it was fitting that Corrinne would be buried on this Feast Day of the Archangels—one of protection, one of good news, and one of healing. She was celebrated in good company. The remembrance was a difficult one. I stood up to do the second reading. One of her best friends had done the first reading. I looked out at those gathered at the closed service and saw many of my friends in tears. I had not yet seen most of them since she had died. I barely made it through the reading.

I only remember snippets of the service. My brother did the eulogy. My dad wept and I reached out to put an arm around him. The priest was a man I had struggled with on a personal level. He seemed to go on and on when I really wanted him to hush. I was grateful for his singing though. I remember Mom rushing around at the reception, greeting people. I appreciated having friends there to support me. After all these years, it is still somewhat of a surreal blur. I remember the readings though. I still think of her when I hear them…and they are read during the church year.

I did feel as if the angels surrounded me that day and throughout the years that followed. As I reached for my morning prayer misselette that day, I felt enveloped in some protective embrace when I saw what the Feast Day was. I am grateful for these Archangels on many levels, especially for standing guard that day and walking with me through one of the darkest days of my life.

Peace,

Suzanne