Oh… I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love
– “Angels Among Us” by Alabama
I’ve experienced angels for sure in my life – numerous times. I believe we all have, whether we want to admit or realize it. I feel I have been blessed to ONLY have been aware of the good ones – the ones God sends. They have had my back more times than I could ever begin to count – times when I recognized they WERE there, times when I went completely unaware that they, together with God, walked alongside me through countless moments in life – having saved me time and again, when easily it could have – maybe, should have been my last day. I’ve definitely used my NINE lives and then some. And though I know I am truly redeemed, I have an I.O.U. with God at this point – which I am gratefully and happy to somehow make a small dent in repaying that debt the rest of my life.
One guardian angel that I know God placed in my life – was after an obvious miracle in my life. Following an undetected tumor, which had no prior symptoms, that was discovered in February 1989 – only during a routine annual check-up and confirmed by an ultrasound, timely surgery was required, just several months before my wedding day. Blessedly the tumor was benign and that there were no issues beforehand was unbelievable as the tumor had completely consumed my entire right ovary – in size, basically the size of a rump roast (apologies for the ‘graphic’ reference…..). After the first attempt, followed by a care-free pregnancy – nearly 20 hours labor, withOUT an epidural (Moms – you can def appreciate THAT fact)……my little angel ushered forth into the world. From that moment, I was transformed and my world truly revolved around THAT life which God had entrusted to my care.
During my leave, I spoiled him – carrying him everywhere, I could NOT get enough of being near him – his smell, his softness, his gentle sounds – his mere existence. Then reality kicked in and I had to return to my work. We went through caretaker #1 – who lasted barely a week. I had just spoiled him too much that he required being held or he was just unhappy and cried incessantly. We moved on to caretaker #2 – precious, truly God-sent “Mimi”. She didn’t speak a word of English; I wasn’t so great with my Spanish – I bought a Spanish-English dictionary. Did a good deal of my ‘home translating’ and capitalized on my Spanish speaking friends. (bahaha!) She truly had the patience of a saint, but even saints have their limits. And after about ten days time, when I went to pick up my little man after a long day at work – she sincerely apologized but informed me she would be unable to continue caring for my son because it was too much and she also was caring for multiple other children – so she gave me notice. I’ll be honest and admit I was freaking out at this point, but God literally imparted – graciously and mercifully – once again, as He has so kindly, so many times before – and so many times since……….beyond anything I deserve or have deserved. The next day we went back but my little man transformed, literally – overnight. He went on to enjoy nearly three more years with Mimi who grew to love him beyond words, going out of her way to show the extraordinary, special place he came to hold in her heart and the life of her family – remaining so very special in her heart to last for a lifetime.
From that point on – my guardian angel grew and with the exception of typical, minor growing pains during the teenage years, was the perfect child – the absolute joy of my life. He would have been (“be” – present day) any parent’s dream: polite, well-mannered, loving, caring – and untypically compassionate towards those younger than himself ever since he was himself a toddler. Growing up he lovingly allowed me the indulgence of sleeping in on weekends while he quietly watched TV or kept himself busy in positive ways. He played the Little Drummer Boy at his father’s church each Christmas for many years (I cried every time I attended each performance; I still have the drum set used, remember the makeshift outfit that we put together…..) – he WAS the perfect choice to depict the lead role from the perennial classic by Bass and Rankin back in the late 60’s, BUT of course – more handsome! (I know, I’m just a little biased……) He went on to nail the role of Kenickie in his 5th grade’s rendition of Grease – as if, he were made to play the role! (Where’d he get that talent – wink, wink LOL!) He earned numerous Student of the Month Awards, Honor Rolls and other school accolades – of course all these and so many other “memories”, carefully preserved…… During holiday time, he lovingly gifted me with special purchases he made at the Holiday store at school with his hard earned money. My favorite – that I still have – is a beautiful cross pendant, and I still wear it to this day.
High school arrived – and there is NO way, at the start of his freshman year, that you could have told ME where he would end on graduation day – his life’s purpose revealed by then. But I can say that there is no way I could have been MORE proud or honored to have him as my child at that time (it is only beyond comprehension present day…..). Thankful to God for special mentors that were placed in his life – who believed in, saw potential in and encouraged him. He flourished – growing into this amazing young man who was responsible, accountable and so disciplined. He evolved into an established and esteemed leader amongst his peers; recognized by those with notable military credentials – leading teams to winning various awards, trophies in competitions. His destiny was unveiled – he was a military man. As my precious dad served our country for nearly 28 years, it was especially poignant that my OWN would find the same path – and in his own way. It was in his blood – he lived for it, he was an obvious “natural” at it. I had the privilege of watching him through this process as well – in finding himself, in discovering his calling – and most especially, in the absolute joy, bliss, blessing – to behold him walk forth into his life’s passion, where I know he will be living: “Do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life.” I envy that. I wasn’t half as grounded or “based” as he is at that same age. The choices he makes astound me – all the time.
So for me, my special guardian angel came in the most unexpected package – a 7 lb, 7 oz. 19 inch squishy faced tiny human, some 20 years+ ago now. He was to be more than just my “child” – he was to be my life’s most supreme blessing, and THE light because I was seeking His light everywhere else but through Him…until I was able to find MY own way back to His light, nearly 30 years after roaming aimlessly in the desert of life on my own. God brought him to me for countless reasons and blessings………because He knew I would need someone to get me through the end years of a marriage that was falling apart, to be the glue that held me together in the years of the aftermath of its demise when inside I was broken shards of glass…… He was my reason for life – when I didn’t have the energy anymore, felt unloved and unneeded – I was still needed by him. My world revolved around him and I did everything I could to ensure he had the best childhood possible. He taught ME so many things – how many parents can say, admit that?? I definitely am a better person because of him. Until I found my WAY – he was the example of unconditional love – giving and receiving. He taught ME how to pick and choose battles – how to know which ones to fight, which ones to walk away from. He showed me even more how to be more accepting of others – how to better appreciate the “differences” in life. The beautiful part of this is that he not only taught ME these “life lessons” but he led by example and inspired others. I have had parents and other peers come to me over the years and share with me what Joseph has done for them, impacted their lives. It’s a parents’ best dream…..I did underestimate him for a long time – just humanly because of his age……….finally woke up to realize the amazing young man that stood before me – grateful for every breath of his life. For winning “life’s lotto” by God’s blessing of him in my life.
Forever I will be grateful for the unexpected “old soul”, Yoda – so wise beyond his years – who taught me so much. Forever I will be grateful for the light of his smile in my world, and how it lit up the darkness many times – that for me, still lights any room that he walks into…….. Forever I will be grateful for my precious guardian angel – sent to watch over me for many years. Saving me again – and again, and again.
To my “angel” – Joseph Tumminelli, aka Son Unit………forever you’ll be in my heart……..for all my life, I’ll be the greatest fan of your life……….
I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.
Love You Forever
by Robert Munsch
Special note to Martha and Renee, the unexpected blessings when the “empty nest” commenced – thank you…………….
To 1st Sgt, who never gave up on him and remains present in his life; to Colonel Richardson, another extraordinary and beautiful hearted person – who made a difference by your example
armymom115 