Angel Lady

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 .