ANGELS IN ELEVATORS

  Sixty year old “Harried Harriet” bustled into the slow moving elevator on her way to her 90 year old Mother’s apartment. Time was of the essence. There was so much to do and never enough time. Mom had to be bathed, dressed for dinner and the laundry done all within an hour and a half. Responsibilities overwhelmed Harriet most days. Everyone always expected so much from her.

Mom was becoming slower, more obstinate and increasingly forgetful.  Would Mom even remember Harriet was coming today? Finally, the elevator arrived.

At that very moment, a calm, smiling older lady floated onto the elevator with Harried Harriet.

Harriet,without glancing her way, said “Which number?”

“Four” said the older lady. Harriet would be off at three.

Finally the elevator doors opened. Harriet prepared to fly into action.

The calm lady held the door opened and lovingly spoke. “You are a beautiful woman. You have such a lovely face. Has anyone ever told you that before?”

“No.”  Harriet found herself confessing. “I was hoping decades ago at my wedding that someone would tell me I was beautiful or at least pretty. All brides are supposed to be pretty. No one ever has. Thank you for saying that to me today.”

 With that the elevator closed.

Harried Harriet stopped, took a breath and felt sudden tears running down her cheeks. A stranger had seen beauty in her. Maybe her Mom would be easier to deal with today. Harriet began to think about angels on elevators. Harriet was encouraged.

Later in the hallway on the main floor, Harriet saw the lovely lady again. She too was pushing a wheelchair. Upon enquiry, Harriet learned that she was not an angel and her name is Pat.

Pat is a Care-giver too. Harriet and Pat shared hugs.

Did you see a glimpse of Jesus in this true story?

                                 ©2004-Marlene D. Bergman

            (Names changed to honor confidentiality.)