My angel friend Lau

It's interesting that I'm still surprised when angels show up in my life... The subtle ways we meet and then the fingerprints they leave burned in my soul. Our friendship was a story such as that... We met briefly in college then a few years later our paths crossed again over food counter between a hot kitchen and a bustling waitress station. I didn't realize at the time that the joking and laughing would build such a strong friendship. But when a truck crash tore my world apart and I was left behind 7 months pregnant and had a 3 year old son... He was there my first day back after the funeral. 

As I walked into work with my smiling mask on, I tried to pretend I wasn't broken... He looked me in my eyes,behind the mask, he saw the pain in my soul. He took both my hands and said "you aren't in this alone" then he held me as tears rolled down my face ... He held me like he was trying to hold my broken pieces together. And I knew then he would always be my friend. 

The next few years we took turns encouraging each other through the struggles in each of our lives.... And life went on with its crazy twists and turns... 

Then like life can do ... It decided to teach some more lessons... And when I first heard of the cancer I was lost in denial... He was so healthy, so strong... But each time sweet Jacquie called me to come cuz he was back in the hospital, the realization was too clear to ignore. As I think back to the last weeks as I sat by his bed in the living room. As I tried to be strong for him and his family... I realize he was the one strong for us. We had many talks of life after this life and he'd hold my hand again and look into my tear filled eyes and say "I'm not afraid, I'm at peace". But I knew the hole he would leave ... And I selfishly grieved our loss... 

Today when I see the faces of his beautiful children, who I adore like my own, I see the whispers of him still in this world. In the struggles of life I see his arms around his love holding her together and helping her be strong. I see him playing with his grandchildren before he sends them down... And as his hands pass them through the veil, he kisses them and whispers "give this kiss to Gully from me".